The Ford Barn

Brennan805 · 04-23-2024, 11:38 PM

Hey Guys-
I just finished a complete rebuild on my Dana 41 Diff complete with new 3:54 gears. I've done a few Banjo's and Dana's in the past and feel pretty comfortable with the job. I've always packed the bearings with an all purpose, automotive grease and never thought anything of it. I was reading an article recently specifically about differential lubrication and it stated never to pack the bearings with grease and to only use 90wt gear oil for the assembly. Their reasoning was that the grease will eventually separate in clumps clogging critical lubrication channels and ports. Also, High temp wheel grease may not completely dissipate over time. After reading the article, I assembled the Dana 41 with only 90 wt. gear oil.

I'm curious to know your thoughts?

Terry,OH · 04-24-2024, 06:50 AM

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I only use the final lubricant as assembly lubricant. So for the Ford I use the same lubricant I fill the differential with when done. For the most part there is no need to pre lube.

04-23-2024, 11:38 PM	#1
Brennan805 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 4	Packing Differential Bearings? Hey Guys- I just finished a complete rebuild on my Dana 41 Diff complete with new 3:54 gears. I've done a few Banjo's and Dana's in the past and feel pretty comfortable with the job. I've always packed the bearings with an all purpose, automotive grease and never thought anything of it. I was reading an article recently specifically about differential lubrication and it stated never to pack the bearings with grease and to only use 90wt gear oil for the assembly. Their reasoning was that the grease will eventually separate in clumps clogging critical lubrication channels and ports. Also, High temp wheel grease may not completely dissipate over time. After reading the article, I assembled the Dana 41 with only 90 wt. gear oil. I'm curious to know your thoughts?

04-24-2024, 06:50 AM	#2
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,765	Re: Packing Differential Bearings? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I only use the final lubricant as assembly lubricant. So for the Ford I use the same lubricant I fill the differential with when done. For the most part there is no need to pre lube.