Differential Fluids Viscosity and Availability

[vettenuts]

Trying to decide whether to change our my differential fluid using 75W90 or 80W140. I believe the original fill was 75W90 and since we are traveling west not sure if the higher viscosity should be used. We have already done extensive traveling in mid-90 degree heat with the current fill.

The Spicer service manual stipulates the ambient temperature range for 75W90 between -40 F to 100 F. The ambient temperature range for 80W140 is -15 F and above.

The fluid that I will use will be from the Spice Drive Axle "Approved Lubricant Suppliers - FEBRUARY 2016" and carry the appropriate SHAES 256 Rev C (Axle/Linehaul); SHAES 429 (Axle/Vocational) approvals.

Wondering what others are using when the changed their fluid and where they bought it since most of what I can find is only available in 5 gallon buckets or larger drums. I have yet to find any 80W140 meeting the SHAES specifications in smaller quantities such as gallon jugs.

[coopcolt]

Changed my W-20, 6/8 yrs. ago. As I remember it
called for 75-90, and I installed Mobil 1. Thinking
it was 8 qt. and maybe had a drain plug in the bottom.
That the best I can recall, as I dont recall as much as
I used to!......coop

[vettenuts]

Spent some time on the phone today with Dana/Spicer and went with ConocoPhillips Triton Synthetic® Gear Lube 80W-140 from their recommended "Approved Lubricant Suppliers - FEBRUARY 2016".

[Civdiv99]

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Spent some time on the phone today with Dana/Spicer and went with ConocoPhillips Triton Synthetic® Gear Lube 80W-140 from their recommended "Approved Lubricant Suppliers - FEBRUARY 2016".

Have you determined best source of purchase and qty of said “ConocoPhillips Triton Synthetic® Gear Lube 80W-140“

Guessing it won’t be the corner auto chain outfit. Let us know what you learn on sources, qty, and cost if you would please?

[vettenuts]

Originally Posted by Civdiv99

Have you determined best source of purchase and qty of said “ConocoPhillips Triton Synthetic® Gear Lube 80W-140“

Guessing it won’t be the corner auto chain outfit. Let us know what you learn on sources, qty, and cost if you would please?

I bought it here: Petroleum Service Company

Their prices were very competitive and their shipping was reasonable. I ordered it at 10 this morning and already have my tracking number.

I also spoke to Dana/Spicer technical support this morning. The "Approved Lubricant Suppliers - FEBRUARY 2016" document is broken into sections, one being "Dana-Approved Drive Axle Lubricants" and the other "Other Approved Lubricants Marketers of approved fluids meeting the Dana Extended Drain Specifications". I didn't understand the difference and the person I talked to took quite a bit of time and research to figure it out. The first category are lubricants that Dana/Spicer has tested to meet their requirements and specifications. The second grouping are companies who have individually tested to the Dana specifications but Dana hasn't done independent testing themselves. So I picked from the first list and the only product sold by Petroleum Service Company that was on the first list was the ConocoPhillips. The ExxonMobil Delvac was on the second list. I felt more comfortable with a product that Dana/Spicer had tested in house plus it was a little less expensive.

[Civdiv99]

Given this isn’t a minor part, coupled with the impact of a potential failure a bazillion miles from the home port, going with mfr tested seems like a clear choice to me as well.

I’d been considering an oil change as well, so I appreciate the link.