Axle fluid weight and quantity….

[Odubi]

Curious if any knows what axle fluid weight if you tow 5-10 times a year for a Rubicon? And insight would be greatly appreciated!

Sponsored

 

[jac04]

The information you are looking for is in the Owner's Manual. It is 75W85 synthetic for the M210 front & M220 rear axles. If you search around a little on the forum, you will also find the listed capacities for the M210 and M220 differentials on the Rubicon. IIRC, it's 1.53Q rear and 1.09Q front. Regardless of the quantity, per the manual, make sure to fill to approximately 1/8" below the bottom edge of the fill hole with the vehicle on a level surface. Always fill to the proper level regardless of capacity listed.

There is typically no issue using a 75W90 synthetic gear oil in place of the listed 75W85. After all, the 75W85 is listed as a "recommend" and not "require". The 75W90 will maintain a higher viscosity at high temperatures, which (IMO) is only a good thing. However, changing from the recommended 75W85 is a decision for you to make.

From the 2021 Gladiator Owner's Manual:

 

[WXman]

Wow. New one on me. 75W140 has always been the spec for towing applications. Just checked my manual to confirm. Yep.. 75W85.

Makes a guy wonder what, if any, role this 75W85 spec has in the axle failures and extremely dirty fluid at low mileage we've seen so many people write about. Hmmm....

 

[jac04]

The 2020 Gladiator Owner's Manual shows 75W-140, but only for the M200 axle. I assume the M200 sees higher loads that require the higher viscosity. My experience is that differential fluid in a powered axle tends to look 'dirty' fairly quick, no matter the vehicle.

 

[Hootbro]

OM states 75W-85 regardless.

Chrysler Tech Authority info has a note to use 75W-140 if equipped with the Trailer Tow Package.

Also, DANA spec sheet for the DANA 44 ADVANTEK axles they sell aftermarket recommends 75W-140.

EDIT: I see after the fact what I posted was for the 3.6L gasser and not the diesel. I would think the axle info would be the same regardless.

 

[Blade1668]

The thing I found when I changed the gear oil in my Max-Tow was the front dif only had about a pint of gear oil and the rear only had less than a qt of gear oil. I'm not running the factory now but Valvoline synthetic 85W140 and I used about 3 qts. To say I was shocked on how low the axles was on gear lube is a understatement.
Just when anyone is changing it pull the fill plug first before the drain plug and check the level. That could be part of the failures of axles too. I don't recommend using the wrong weight of gear oil but I'm running the same in both axles. My reason is I don't have to guess if I have enough on hand.... I've got 10 axles to keep up with.... ?

 

[Hipbilly]

So here's my question, what is the difference in these sales codes? My vehicle info on the website doesn't list sales codes, and the distinction between these is not reflected in the previously snapped OM referenced. This is from the online owners manual (which i assume gets revised?)

Just got reageared, and am changing oil this weekend.

 

[dcmdon]

I wouldn’t be surprised if part of the reason they are specifying lighter gear oil is to assist with fuel economy.

These days the engineering discussion is more about what can I get away with rather than what is best.

 

[jac04]

Just got reageared, and am changing oil this weekend.

I know I'm not answering your question, but if you got re-geared I assume the installer is offering some type of warranty on the parts & installation. If so, have them tell you what oil to use and the break-in procedure they want you to use.

 

[FutureOdin]

So here's my question, what is the difference in these sales codes? My vehicle info on the website doesn't list sales codes, and the distinction between these is not reflected in the previously snapped OM referenced. This is from the online owners manual (which i assume gets revised?)

Just got reageared, and am changing oil this weekend.

What does it say on your window sticker/build sheet? Mine lists the M220 axle, not the M200 axle.

 

[Hipbilly]

I know I'm not answering your question, but if you got re-geared I assume the installer is offering some type of warranty on the parts & installation. If so, have them tell you what oil to use and the break-in procedure they want you to use.

SOOOO, about that.
Its a new, small, family owned shop here in Little rock, and they offer a one-year warranty. He gave me the loose run-down on the break-in procedure, but didn't mention changing oil, so I asked if I needed to come back in at 500 for it. He said No, that isn't needed. I trust his experience, but that is contrary to the advise from Revolution.
At the time of re-gear, they could get a revolution front gear, but punted due to lead time and installed a Yukon gear set in the back; after a few hundred miles, a 50-55mph howl started in the rear gears and I took it in; they drove it and confirmed, and replaced the rear gear set with a revolution gear free of charge.

All that to say, I'm probably just gonna change it myself Saturday since I'm headed on a 2,000mile road trip Sunday, and will only be able to get about 300miles of break-in done before we take off (on the new rear gears).
The front ones haven't seen any 4wd time yet (no time), and are probably around 900miles in; I'll change that fluid too.

BUT, you're right, I could just call the gear shop and see what fluid they use.
I already ordered MOPAR 75W85 from amazon, though.

 

[Hipbilly]

What does it say on your window sticker/build sheet? Mine lists the M220 axle, not the M200 axle.

Shit. Major brain fart. I didn't even see the numbers were different
I've got the M220.

 

[jac04]

... and replaced the rear gear set with a revolution gear free of charge.

I would check with Revolution just to see what they recommend.

Honestly, I don't think it is going to make much difference whether you use 75W85 or 75W90 or 75W140, but the gear manufacturer may have their own requirements/recommendations.

For example, I had a complete rear D44 built by ECGS for my JK. ECGS recommended Lucas conventional 85W-140, and offered a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty on it.

 

[Hipbilly]

I would check with Revolution just to see what they recommend.

Honestly, I don't think it is going to make much difference whether you use 75W85 or 75W90 or 75W140, but the gear manufacturer may have their own requirements/recommendations.

YYyyup.... Quality over fuel effeiciency... From the Revolution "break in procedure" page:

"Recommended gear oil is an 80W-90 or 85W-140, Non-Synthetic, GL5 grade or Higher, Name Brand Oil."

 

[Hootbro]

What Gladiators come with a M200 rear differential? Have seen it listed in the manual but never understood it actually being in any Gladiator I know off. JL sure, but not on the JT Gladiator.

Sponsored