Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Dana 35 Rebuild

CNYJeeper

Member
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2020
Messages
68
Location
Upstate, NY
A few years ago, I upgraded my '97 w/35s Dana 30/35 to 5.13. Heard some diff noise the last 1-2 months but hoping it would hold until spring as I just use this mainly for my rentals to plow snow in winter and trailer a zero-turn in the summer.

Didn't last.

Spider gears/axles were fine. Had to rebuild with new ring and pinion and conventional fluid. Here's the main question: How hot is the diff supposed to feel after each run during the breaking in period?

I understand the break in period's supposed to last about 500 miles, 15-20 minutes each run, let cool 30-60 minutes, no highway speeds for a while, etc, etc. Each time I do a run, I check for seepage and touch the diff. The diff is BARELY warm to the touch. Yes, we are in the single digits right now, but I try to touch immediately after stopping - barely feels warm. Nowhere near the temp of the heater inside the cab.

Other questions: Wondering if it's supposed to get hotter ... and if it is, what temp should I shoot for? Where I cannot hold a palm to it for a few seconds? Will not getting to a certain temp keep the teeth from bedding in?

TIA
 
If it's single digits outside it won't be the same as a "normal" day. I would be more worried if it was really hot after 5 or 6 trips. The break in cycle is two short runs letting it cool in between. You don't need to take short trips up to 500 miles, just the first two. After that you are good to go. Change the fluid at 500 miles.
 
From my thread:


Screenshot_2026-01-24-15-40-37-68_3aea4af51f236e4932235fdada7d1643.jpg


-Mac
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts