Saw on another forum, maybe this one, of a guy using Royal Purple as his Gear Oil. Was wondering if anyone else tried it, or has another fluid they use for their Diff's.

 

I can't actually answer your question because I haven't tried any other oils, but a better question would be why? If I remember correctly, the non-locking diff only takes around 0.6 quarts of fluid and while it's expensive for a quart of oil, it's not really that much every 30-45k miles... Unless you're having problems, I would personally stick with what Land Rover recommended.

 

I get your point, but since I live in a generally wet environment, and go off road more then often, I would like to make my intervals more frequent, around every 12k to 15k

 

Answer is in tech section, I run RP but mine was already bad

 

What are you guys paying for landrover diff fluid. My Landrover sells it to me for $20.00 a quart and change out the door.

 

Which is why I didn't see it as that big of a deal. I think $21 or so per quart is about right. The locking diff fluid, however, will set you back about $50/quart!

 

The place here in Seattle is around $30 a bottle, vs. RP at $15-$17. Might be worth it to just bite it and pay up front, or order from Atlantic British

 

Atlantic British is having a 10% sale off fluids until Monday. I'd get the Landrover stuff.

 

The LR diff fluid is a standard synthetic 75w90 with an additive package, originally labeled as Castrol SAF XO, which is now Castrol Syntrax, see the data sheet below.

http://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/A16E1CCE0D3F7E038025785600505F40/$File/BPXE-8F58WC_0.pdf

Pretty much any high quality 75/90 or 75/140 will work without any issue. I use BG 75/140 and have had no issues or diminished performance at all.

As to the locking diffs, these are pretty much the same, just with a different additive pack for the limited slip clutch plates. For these, I use the same fluid, with a LS additive(BG LSii) and again, have had no issues at all.

One reason I use BG(past knowing the refinement of their products, and knowing first hand how well their products work, when used properly) is how much they stand behind their products. If you have under 75k miles, check out their Protection Plan, I find it to be very worth it, especially on these vehicles, which are known to have differential issues.

I have gone through many times on this, and in the end, draining out the factory diff fluids with 30-75k miles vs draining out the BG fluids with the same use, there is very much a difference to be seen in how well the fluid has held up.

The big thing here is really just to change it far more often then LR recommends, 150k for the open units is absurd, and it causes it to basically be a fill for life fluid, as the unit has a good chance of failure prior to reaching the service interval.

Also, take a look at your breather vent for the front differential. An updated design is available(just the cap, not the whole tube) Check out Centurion Differentials for a quick run down on this, but note that the PN they list for the cap is missing a digit, LR019450.

 

Thanks for all the info! Really helps!

What additive pack do you use for the open diff?

What do you think the benefits are of the 75w140 vs 75w90?

When I changed my diff fluid at 72k (Bought the truck with 62k) I also saw the TSB for the breather cap and replaced it for the front diff. The rear diff doesn't have a breather, correct?