Posted by Traveler on November 09, 19100 at 07:27:51:
In Reply to: Re: Blown Differential - Multiple times posted by Mike on November 09, 19100 at 05:43:46:
: I understand and agree with your point but it might be helpful to clear up one item. Replacing the differential itself requires no break in period. Replacing the ring & pinion requires exactly the break-in that you stated. It is also helpful to use conventional dino juice for the 500 miles break-in, then flush and refill with Mobil 1 gear lube.
Do you mean the whole housing or the diff case inards? I don't think they run-in the complete axle assys so they still need break-in (as stated in the owner's manual). BUT if it is just the spider or side gears, or an axle, then no break-in would be needed.
What makes me nervous about most "minor" diff fixes is the inability to get out the metal fragments from the part that broke. Some on the magnet, some in the oil, and some caught in all the crevices in there. Locking diff has some plate debris that needs to be flushed in the first 3000 miles; less critical for open diff with no locker.
Makes me cringe when buyers test drive the 8.1L engines and use full throttle before the diff breaks in. There should almost be a mileage based torque limiter now that it is fly by wire. Duramax is even harder on the diff. ;)