Sloppy Front Diff/ Thicker Gear Oil Help?

[Russ in California]

A lot of play at the front diff on the drive line on the 91 FJ80 w/200,000 miles. Thicker gear oil(85/140) help at all for temp fix?
Going to have Mudrak look at it Thurs, though he's 200 miles away. Thought thicker might tide me over for the trip down and back.
Russ

 

[robbie]

Russ if you are really worried about the front diff, remove the front drive line and engage the center diff lock switch. Handling becomes a little different, expecially in curves. But the down side I think outweighs the worry of the front diff creating you problems on a long drive. That way you are not putting power through it and messing it up. I personally would not waste the money on a different fluid if you are having it worked on. If you had a set of front locking hubs, you could through them on to unlock the axles. If you have bearing problems, thicker lube is not going to help much except to make less noise(false courage) until they lock up and spin.
good luck later robbie

 

[Russ in California]

Thanks robbie, again.
Russ