Is there such a thing as plain 85-140 gear oil? No modifiers or additives? ARB recommends this for their lockers and even though the others may work I would like to use what they suggest.
Plain old Dino gear oil?
- Thread starter Ted
- Start date
TJ2
TJ Expert
OP
OP
I recently had trouble with an ARB. Swapped it out for a new one and sent the old one in or repair. It was an o ring problem. I now have a like new spare. Never thought about what caused it. But the other day I decided to change all my fluids and never got to the diffs. Decided to see what they recommended since I have installed a new 44 front and rock jock in the rear with ARB's
OP
I was hoping Valvoline made one but everything I have found so far has some sort of additive. I have found some online without it though
TJ2
TJ Expert
99.9% of the gear lubes people run with their ARB Air Lockers and just axles in general have the friction modifier additive. I suspect who wrote that advice on ARB's website did not realize that. The friction modifier's presence has ZERO effect on an ARB Air Locker or any other locker or axle for that matter. That's why it's present in most gear lubes, you have to hunt for a GL-5 gear lube that doesn't have it.
You gears will definitely run cooler if you run a conventional gear lube. I run Valvoline 85W-140 conventional gear lube with my air lockers but the exact viscosity is not critical in the least.
Lastly @Ted , where did you find that information advising against friction modifiers? I've been on the ARB sites and in their FAQ sections on & off for years and I've never seen that or heard it. Their webpage at https://www.arb.com.au/assets/air-lockers/6-01.pdf doesn't mention that requirement and neither does their operating and service guide at http://www.fuzzymuzzle.com/Car/Gear_Install/ARB_AirLocker_Manual.pdf
You gears will definitely run cooler if you run a conventional gear lube. I run Valvoline 85W-140 conventional gear lube with my air lockers but the exact viscosity is not critical in the least.
Lastly @Ted , where did you find that information advising against friction modifiers? I've been on the ARB sites and in their FAQ sections on & off for years and I've never seen that or heard it. Their webpage at https://www.arb.com.au/assets/air-lockers/6-01.pdf doesn't mention that requirement and neither does their operating and service guide at http://www.fuzzymuzzle.com/Car/Gear_Install/ARB_AirLocker_Manual.pdf
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OP
OP
That is the same oil I run in all the rigs. But never paid attention to modifiers before.
TJ2
TJ Expert
OP
OP
I found a link on google search that took me to an Aussie forum. Trying to find it. I looked at your link and it is not the same. Your link looks newer. Maybe a bogus page?
I suspect the page you read that on was personal opinions. ARB itself doesn't recommend against the use of gear lubes with friction modifiers in their official manuals as linked to above. A friction modifier has no effect on any locker like an ARB, Detroit Locker, lunchbox locker, etc.
TJ2
TJ Expert
OP
I suspect the page you read that on was personal opinions. ARB itself doesn't recommend against the use of gear lubes with friction modifiers in their official manuals as linked to above. A friction modifier has no effect on any locker like an ARB, Detroit Locker, lunchbox locker, etc.
I think it took me to a page sort of like Stu's.
On the Arb link you posted I do have access to the oil they have listed.
Spirax HD 85W-140
But I will probably just get the Valvoline
OP
Pretty sure 3 Wheel parts filled them both with Royal Purple.
Feeling a little down on 4 wheel parts anyway. Not sure they will get any more business from me
Feeling a little down on 4 wheel parts anyway. Not sure they will get any more business from me
Your gears and your ARB Air Locker will be happy with any good quality GL-5 gear lube, I personally strongly recommend conventional gear lubes for our Jeeps. Most custom axle manufacturers like Currie and Dynatrac require conventional gear lubes for warranty purposes, they will void their warranties if they figure out the owner who came back to them with a problem had been using a synthetic gear lube.
OP
It is time for break in oil change on the axles. I will head out shortly and pick up some Valvoline. Looks like they wouldn't of used synthetic for break in.