I know there have been spirited discussions about how much rear lube to run. These aren't necessarily about amount but more about what is happening when running and cover shape. I thought them interesting, informative and done well by Gale Banks.
Take a close look at the way the differential cover is formed on a 12 bolt. It follows the same concept that is described in the Banks video. Maybe they (GM) were onto something back in the 1960’s.
Bob
November 04, 2018, 06:43 PM
AlkyIROC
As much as I would like a fabricated diff, I think my stock 9" body is much better designed.
www.hardtail.com Stephen's Racing Page Best ET: 9.029 Best MPH: 150.45
November 05, 2018, 08:17 AM
CURTIS REED
I enjoy learning new things and many times the aftermarket puts things out without considering why the OEMs do what they do. Many of the oem parts may need to be made stronger but not necessarily changed. There is a great deal of engineering that goes into what they do. Sometimes a different design is better but one must really consider the engineering of it.
The extended covers were a good example. More fluid but worse design.
November 05, 2018, 10:59 AM
Eman
It would be interesting to see what happens when heavier weight oils are used especially ones that cling. Would they impede flow and reduce cooling and lube to the pinion bearings? Id heavy was better why not just pack the pinion bearings in wheel bearing grease or fill the diff with 0 or 00 grease?
November 05, 2018, 11:12 AM
RPROGAS
The next time you drain the fluid and remove the cover on a 12 bolt look at the channels (at the top of the housing) that feed lubricant to the front pinion bearings. From my perspective the only design change that would improve the original GM design (billet caps not withstanding) would be to make the cover in aluminum. That would improve it’s ability to disapate heat.
I would not use an aftermarket aluminum cover unless it was formed like the original cover. The exception to this would be on a Show Car that is never driven.
Bob
November 05, 2018, 01:38 PM
sc4087
That's some eye opening stuff right there. Thanks
Mike Greene
November 05, 2018, 05:31 PM
Cashflow
quote:
It would be interesting to see what happens when heavier weight oils are used especially ones that cling. Would they impede flow and reduce cooling and lube to the pinion bearings?
I spoke with an oil engineer at Phillips Petroleum years ago. I'm sure I'm spelling it wrong but any gear lube can be made to climb by adding Peratac which was developed by them for grain mills where the ring and pinion was at the top of a shaft.
He laughed when I told him that some folks sell it to put in a rear end.
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am.......
