What fluids for 96 GMC

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So I have a 1996 GMC 4X4 7.4 litre with a 4L80E trans I have been told for the transmission and transfer case it is dexron II or better, the front diff is supposed to be a 80-90 I believe, but the rear diff which is supposed to be a limited slip apparently needs an additive put in it, was told there is a new GM type out,which is supposed to be a synthetic and does not need anything added, but now I have heard that the new stuff can't be used in the older one as it will eat through the sealer on the diff and that I need to use the plain oil and add the additive.
Anybody have any ideas on this one?
 
Eat through the sealer? That seems hard to believe? Maybe it's possible.....

Go to Amsoil website and look for your vehicle in the look up. It will show what trans fluid, gear lube, capacities etc.
 
The synthetic gear oil will eat through RTV sealant if that is what is being used to seal your inspection plate.

You can get the limited slip additive in a 4oz bottle from the dealer for less than 10 bucks.
 
Thanks guys, yes it was RTV the fellow said and he said he was not aware of GM offering a gasket for the diff in that year, as they used RTV when he worked for GM dealers.
So I will have to look at the amsoil site and see what they have for info also.
I will have to see what the dealer says as it was their parts girl that said to use the new stuff, but I feel it looks like I need the old type oil and use an additive with it.
 
Yes, my 97 Chevy pickup had a note telling the owner not to use syn diff fluid for that reason. I did anyway and lo and behold, it developed a leak, both at the cover and the pinion shaft seal.
 
Originally Posted By: Johnny
What brands of gear oil are available to you at your local parts stores?


I'm a big fan of the mail order boutique oils but do like the convenience of the local stores.

Full synthetic everywhere. Choose within the budget.

DexronVI is an easy choice and upgrade for the automatic.

Mobil1, Maxlife, Royalpurple, Amsoil, Redline are easy choices for the transmission and transfer case.

Most synthetic gear oils have the limited slip additive already. And, depending on mileage, the LSD is tired by now and shouldn't be too picky.
 
Originally Posted By: Boomer
Yes, my 97 Chevy pickup had a note telling the owner not to use syn diff fluid for that reason. I did anyway and lo and behold, it developed a leak, both at the cover and the pinion shaft seal.


Strange, I've had Mobil 1 in my rear diff for 2 years with no leaks (knock on wood), still the original seals on teh diff.

I had heard of replacing gear oil making seals leak period, never anything specifically about synthetic is mentioned in the manual though.
 
dexron 2 for your transmission really doesn't sound right. As dex 3 came out on 1994.

With that said dex6 has been back speced for that transmission.


dex6 though was not back specced for the transfer case.
 
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if you have a g80 in the diff, its a locker, not a limited slip. GM says not to use an additive in the truck G80. Where the confusion comes in is GM also used the G80 designation for cars as well as trucks. The cars use a limited slip, the trucks use a locker.

Your truck came with 80W90 in the rear diff. GM went to 75W90 synthetic in 1998 and have used that ever since.
 
This bulletin would be correct for your truck..

LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT (SERVICE INFORMATION) #91-4-109
SUBJECT: LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (G80) LUBRICANT - (SERVICE INFORMATION)
VEHICLES AFFECTED: ALL LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH G80 REAR AXLE ALL YEARS
Some light duty trucks equipped with locking rear axles (G80) may exhibit rear axle chatter, especially when turning a corner from a stop.
This condition of alternate engagement and disengagement of clutches in differential assembly is usually caused by contaminated axle lubricant.
To correct this condition, drain and refill the rear axle with SAE 80W-90 GL5 (P/N 10950849). The use of any additive in locking rear axles (G80) is not recommended. Rear axle additives are designed for use in limited slip differentials which are normally installed in cars. All light duty trucks equipped with RPO G80 make use of a locking differential and the use of additives will delay the engagement of the locking mechanism and may decrease axle life.
VEHICLES/COMPONENTS INVOLVED: ----------------------------- Some light duty trucks equipped with locking rear axles, RPO G80.
SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:
Part Number Description ----------- ------------------ 10950849 Lubricant, Rear Axle (1 litre)
Parts are currently available through CANSPO.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
As specified in Light Duty Truck Maintenance Schedules, locking rear axle fluid drain and refill is required owner maintenance at the first engine oil change. Failure to drain and refill the rear axle as specified may contribute to a later axle chatter condition. Refer to the appropriate Light Duty Truck Maintenance Schedule or service manual, section OB, for further details on change intervals.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
__________________
 
I've got a '97 Chevy C2500HD with a limited slip differential, 5.7L engine and manual transmission. The rear cover has a gasket that I've reused every time I've changed the fluid (I've got 2 spares from the dealership I haven't needed). Up until now, I've used M1 synthetic gear oil and added the GM limited slip additive. Changeout from factory was over 10 years ago, the last was about 5 years ago.

Never had any leaking whatsoever from any seals. Going to Amsoil Severe Gear on the next change, and won't use the additive based upon the Tech Bulletin posted above (Thanks!).
 
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