Rear end temp
I have a 8.75 rear end with 430 gears, auburn carrier and Strange axles. It seems to be getting very hot Does anybody know the proper running temp of this set up. Thanks
Hello oley340,
Without some more information as to what the drive train is being subject to during your Temperature concern its a little hard to provide a answer, but here is a general rule of thumb.
The following is could be considered average.
During normal / to lite aggressive street driving you could expect to see temperatures around 120 deg to 175 deg F.
During oval track racing it would be expected to see 175 deg F to 250 deg F. (Note at one mile and above type speedways we see more like 300 + deg F with a lube pump and cooler installed)
During Drag racing its more like ambient temperature to 150 deg F. (short runs and cooling down between rounds).
The relationship between temperature and type of use has a lot to do with the following,
Is the gear set, bearing's, and seals new or used?
Are the parts in your rear end name brand like U/S gear, Strange, Timken ?
How was the rear set up (Back Lash, Pre-Load) ?
How old are the fluids?
Types of rears such as Detroit locker, Trac-Loc, Clutch pack, Torque biasing, Helical gear, Cone, and Auburn will all have there own unique characteristics in regard to street / race application and temperatures. Some manufactures will call out what specific type of lubricant should be used and what application the rear can be used for.
Cheep or expensive brands of parts and fluids will factor in this equation as will the age of the parts and lubricants.
Using Synthetic lubricants, Mineral gear lubricants, and or additives (friction modifiers) will also affect the outcome.
SAE Viscosity Grade will come into play, Choosing the correct type and grade lubricant is paramount in controlling both temperature and wear characteristics of any type of gears / bearings / surfaces.
Most mineral based gear oils will preform well up to around 250°.
Most Synthetic gear oils work well in the 200°-300° range.
Gear sets / bearings tend to last longer (wear) with mineral based lubricants as compared to Synthetic gear oils. Two completely different fluids designed to do two totally different jobs.
This is mostly due to additives used in there formula that may not be in synthetic type lubricants. Again choosing the correct lubricant goes a long way.
There not all the same.
Hope this somewhat helps.
Happy Mopar:
Arron
