35 limited slip options

[Unclewolverine]

For context this is for my mail xj that gets about 40k hard miles a year. Lots of starting, stopping, u turns, backing up, up and down hilly gravel roads in all conditions.

Once again the spiders and clutches are worn out of my factory LS dana 35. I hear they are only good for about 50k, and I doubt I got that much since I last replaced them. I hear good things about the trac lock, how long are they good for? Are there other options I should consider? I've heard of lunch box lockers but also heard they are annoying on the street.

 

[maxbraketorque]

Are you using a synthetic gear oil in the diff?

Helical diffs (the technology in Eaton Trutracs) is factory equipment on many sports cars. Can last many miles.

 

[Unclewolverine]

No, Dino 85-140 with friction modifiers, changed every 20k or so.

 

[maxbraketorque]

No, Dino 85-140 with friction modifiers, changed every 20k or so.

There are a variety of opinions on whether synthetics are better, but for sure there is a minimal cost adder to using a quality synthetic compared to the cost of having a diff professionally rebuilt.

 

[Unclewolverine]

There are a variety of opinions on whether synthetics are better, but for sure there is a minimal cost adder to using a quality synthetic compared to the cost of having a diff professionally rebuilt.

I respect your opinion, in my experience I've had better luck with Dino oils in all xj components, it seems like the tolerances are just too loose for syns, the just kinda run out and make a mess everywhere. Also I'm not having any issues with bearings anyway, I think this rear end has over 300k on all the bearings and the ring and pinion still look great, it's just mainly the clutches that keep wearing out.

 

[maxbraketorque]

I respect your opinion, in my experience I've had better luck with Dino oils in all xj components, it seems like the tolerances are just too loose for syns, the just kinda run out and make a mess everywhere. Also I'm not having any issues with bearings anyway, I think this rear end has over 300k on all the bearings and the ring and pinion still look great, it's just mainly the clutches that keep wearing out.

I thought you mentioned something about the spiders wearing out. If just just the clutch disks, then I'd consider a helical diff. 100% mechanical.

 

[MAY POP]

I like the Truetrac. A helical differential. About 550 bucks. It does require a reset up of backlash and preload. So bearings (rebuild) at this time would be beneficial.

Ron

 

[FusiliJerry]

Another positive review for a TrueTrac. Also I went from dino 5k or so miles in to synthetic to zero apparent affect to the lockup, against Eaton's prescription.

If you're worried about synthetic 75W-90 being too thin, try 75w-110.