I don't know that I have much input on the direct question, but more of a comment on the topic.
Seems many times people are trying to re-invent the (lubricant) wheel. OEMs do go to a lot of effort to establish reasonable lube specs to assure a long, healthy performance level for their products. Most of the time, they get it right; sometimes not. Now, it's important to understand the distinction between what engineers spec out, and what marketing folks push to the public. I think most of us are aware of HD's marketing abilities ...
Why do I mention this? Well, follow along.
HD faithfull often debate the merrits of using ATF products in their primary cases, rather than the recommended oils. I suppose that people are searching for the "ultimate" protection, and think that they know better than the engineers. There are some HD owners that use the ATF, and you rarely, if ever, hear of any ill-fated experiences with the "alternative" fluid. Some even state that it seems "better" in shift feel, or noise level, etc. At it's heart, it's a chain driven gear case.
The opposite is true of some GMC/Chevy heavy duty truck owners. Some think that they should run motor oil in their transfer case, rather than the spec'd ATF. Again, a chain driven piece of equipment. And you can hear the echos of the same claims; less noise, better shifting into 4x4, etc. I often challenge these people to provide proof and data as to their claims, but all I ever get is "feels better" and "sounds better". No UOAs, no teardown analysis, no particle counts, etc. Just rhetoric. If you're interested in my detailed research and opinion on this topic, you can read it over at dieselplace.com.
Ironic, is it not? People are always searching for the greener grass on the other side of the fence.
On this one topic, staying within the bounds of a chain driven power transer device, perhaps it just does not make a lot of difference what type fluid is used?
I am, however, a proponent of sticking with OEM spec'd fluids. Not OEM marketed products, per say, but simply items that meet OEM engineered specs. At least this way, you know what your getting into. It's not that alternatives cannot work; clearly then can. But there is no "proof" of developmental data for the "alternative" other than anecdotal evidence.
I have no great vice against people choosing the lubes that they feel most comfortable using. But I always like to see people have good information, to make educated decisions. The only way to do that is to research all the facts and data, while seperating out all the hype and mythology.
