Astro towing van differential oil question

[SHickey]

Hello,

My beloved 2000 Astro towing van developed a slight leak differential housing seal leak that I would like to fix tomorrow. This van has 155,000 on her and I am going on the assumption the differential oil has never been changed.

Since I will be replacing the housing seal and the differential oil, are there any recommendations for a particular brand or weight I should use that would be best for my towing duties (20' Starcraft American and a 19' Bluefin) This van is NOT an AWD and does have a towing package.

I can always go with the mgf recommendations but I don't mind spending a little more if it can extend the life of my differential.

We are all very going bonkers up here in NY because the winter has been one of the longest and coldest on record and I can't wait to get my boats uncovered, set up, and ready for the water!!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Astro towing van differential oil question

you are looking to "fix" a non existent problem.... if your diffy is currently in good condition at 155,000 miles that is a pretty good testament that standard cheapo gear lube in the viscosity suggested by the manufacturer will be fine.... maintained with the right amount of lube that diffy should outlast the rest of the van easily

I have 346,000 miles on my 4x4 pickup truck and have never used any special oils or done any work on the diffy's even towing up to 30,000 lbs gross

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: Astro towing van differential oil question

I use any good quality name brand (especially if it's on sale lol) and whatever weight it calls for. If it came with synthetic I put in synthetic- if not I don't. If you have limited slip get the friction modifier from the dealer - not the crap they sell at the parts store. If you want to extend the life of the diff change the fluid more often. IIRC 30k miles for dino oil and 100k for synthetic.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Astro towing van differential oil question

for non limited slip differentials, you can run pretty much any petrolium based fluid you can find, the diff will be fine. 5w-30 motor oil, or 75w-90 gear oil, the diff will probably outlast the vehicle.

(no, i'm not advocating using 5w-30 in a diff spec'ed for 75w-90, just saying they aren't overly picky about what they need.)

 

[SHickey]

Re: Astro towing van differential oil question

Thank you for the responses. Being relatively new to "heavier" towing and never had the opportunity to service my diff, I just wanted to see if there was anything better.

As always, I appreciate the input!!

 

[gtochris]

Re: Astro towing van differential oil question

Thank you for the responses. Being relatively new to "heavier" towing and never had the opportunity to service my diff, I just wanted to see if there was anything better.

As always, I appreciate the input!!

Check the sticker in the glove box (codes) If you see the code G80 make sure you get something with Friction Modifier.

If in doubt check the manual for the types.