4th Gen V6 vs V8 Diff fluid change observations

[GMZ]

Ok, so I had a V6 4x4 and now Im in a V8 4x4. I just changed the differential fluids and observed some differences.

V6 changed @ 25K
Front- Clean with minimal metal particles.
Center- Very clean, looked new.
Rear- Almost black with heavy amount of metal particles.

V8 changed @ 30K
Front- Grayish with a good amount of metal particles
Center- Light coffee colored, free of metal particles.
Rear- Grayish with a good amount of metal particles.

I was pondering these differences while I was in the shower washing the Severe Gear off. Obviously its due to the Full-Time vs Multi-Mode 4wd systems with the different engines. I was surprised it was that noticeable, with the rear torque split between the two (RWD vs AWD) there was quite a difference in the quality of the fluid in the diffs, even a noticeable difference in the rear where there is only a 30% difference in torque split. Id be curious to hear from someone who keeps their V6 in 4HI all the time what the quality of their diff fluids are.

It goes into 4LO almost instantly, whereas my V6 took a couple seconds of clicking to switch over. With fresh M1 in the engine and Severe Gear in the diffs, its getting there.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Your V6 findings sound similar to mine... The rear fluid looked like it had been "rode hard" and the front looked almost new. I use 4hi or 4lo a total of 15% of the time.


I agree with your 'take' on the rear oil on the V8 looking better and the front looking more 'used' than the V6. Astute observation my friend
:cheers:

 

[df2000]

I have '07 SR5 with V6 4x4.
At 15K factory fill in rear diff looked very dark.
I changed it with non-syntetic Valvoline 80W90, took close to 4q instead of by the book 3.2q.
I didn't check front diff or trabsfer case at that time.
Fast forward, I am at 30K mi now.
I checked tranfer case and oil look brand new.
I checked Valvoline in rear diff with 15K on it and it look much better than factory fill, almost brand new.
My driving style you can call "adult operator", so far never off road, about 50% long distance family travel, in 4wd only during bad weather/snow storm - less than 1000mi, I recently towed 5000lb for 400mi through some hills of western PA.