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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 575
B
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
B Offline
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 575
I'm pretty sure I've read every post on this forum about oil in the rear axle.

Here's what I gathered - if its got good seals (all new now) then I'm ok with 80W90, but otherwise I should use 90wt (Pure 90 - I'm guessing its more viscous?)

The post that I read that concerned me mentioned that heavier duty trucks should use the heavier oil. Mines a 1 ton - what do the other 1-tons guys use?


Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,115
'Bolter
'Bolter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,115
I use the 80W90 in mine. The writing on the bottle leads me to believe that it is good for much heavier trucks too.


1951 GMC 1 Ton Flatbed -- It is finally on the road and what a great time I have driving it!
1951 1 Ton Completed


My Chevy Master 4 Door is on the Road!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 23
S
sly Offline
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
S Offline
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 23
I've been selling oil for 30 years and your right truckernix, 80/90 is used in some big rigs. Most big rigs use 85/140, but small trucks and cars have been using 80/90 for many years now. I havent sold any straight 90 for at least 20 years, dont even carry it anymore.

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 575
B
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
B Offline
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 575
Thanks for the advise - I filled it up with 80W90 and so far no leaks. Quite the contrast in the color of what I drained out, vs what I put in!

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,886
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,886
I've been using 85W-140 in all my vehicles, cars and trucks, for many years. The "W" stands for "winter", and the flow rate is measured at zero degrees, Farinheit, I believe. It just flows a little better and lubricates well at very low temps. 90 weight and similar straight viscosity oils get as gummy as molasses as the temperature drops, adding a lot of drag and not doing a very good job oif lubricating bearings.
Jerry



"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,964
C
'Bolter
'Bolter
C Offline
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,964
We use 80w140 synthetic in all our rear ends. Back before synthetic multigrades, it was common for straight 90w to get so thick when the temp got to around -20° Fahrenheit that the gears slung the grease away from themselves and the gears would run dry. I have seen the the whole third member turn cherry red and of course it was ruined.


Moderated by  Dusty53 

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