Chrome diff cover

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

think of it as a reason to periodically check and add new fluids- and as rust-proofing for the back end of the car-

Rustproofing Now that's classic!

[Black97]

Thanks guys for all the insight. So far the back cover looks dry so it must be around the shaft seal.

Hoping to pressure wash the whole rear end on the weekend to see how bad the leak is.

Any oil better than other?

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Not really...I use synthetic 75w-90, any brand is fine.

If you have a standard limited slip, just make sure you use the limited slip additive. If you're using the Torsen, the additive is not necessary.

[Black97]

If you have a standard limited slip, just make sure you use the limited slip additive. If you're using the Torsen, the additive is not necessary.

How can you tell what you have?

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Stock differential was an Auburn. The Torsen may have been added by a previous owner. The only way to really tell is by looking under the cover. An Auburn looks like this:





See the yellow springs? They apply pressure to the clutch plates in the diff. A Torsen differential does not have clutches. It uses a worm gear.


Sorry, I don't have a picture of my Torsen on my computer, or I'd post it for you.

[ConElite]

Someone ask for a torsen diff. Bad picture but its an idea. Thats mine!

[Wild Willy]

I won't hurt the Torsen to use the additive, GM specified it to make them run more quietly- so, no damage to err on the side of caution and use it either way- other than the few dollars for a tube of it-

[ConElite]

I won't hurt the Torsen to use the additive, GM specified it to make them run more quietly- so, no damage to err on the side of caution and use it either way- other than the few dollars for a tube of it-

I think thats a waste of money. When I used to work at Chevy, If it was a Torsen Diff. We never added it.

No recommended= No need for it


I didnt add it to mine, I'd rather save that money and buy a better Diff. oil.

My $.02

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

My feelings exactly...when you have a slow leak, and need to top it off once in a while, adding the additive gets old and expensive and is not needed.


With that said, I think it's moot as it sounds like he has an Auburn.

[Black97]

I bought mine used bone stock . I doubt the guy before me did a swap.

You can tell I have not been hanging around parts stores too much, do they sell the limited slip additive there?

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Yep...limited slip additive.

[ConElite]

I bought mine used bone stock . I doubt the guy before me did a swap.

You can tell I have not been hanging around parts stores too much, do they sell the limited slip additive there?

I recommend if you need it, go to the dealer and get it. I think last time I checked they have the premixed Gear oil for your diff. with the additive already in there.

[94Z/28]

Or you could get some red line brand synthetic, they offer it with the limited slip additive already in there and you wont have to pay dealership price for an unknown brand of oil. Unless someone knows what brand of oil GM is putting their name on?

[Injuneer]

I thought the LSD additive was a friction modifier for the clutch plates. Why would that be needed in the Torsen?

[Black97]

I found in the Haynes manual that you can disconnect the drive shaft and then remove the companion flange and that way you wouldn't have to mess with the internals. Does that work ok if you have the right tools?

Well it seems the leak has gotten worse or I need to do another cleaning with the pressure washer.

Last Summer the dealership quoted me $163 for the replacement of the pinion seal. Looking at the price, my guess is they would be taking the easy but wrong route as I described. What do you guys think? How much would a proper repair cost?