While greasing the driveshaft on my 2000 Tundra, I noticed a seal leak on my tranfer case. Since I had recently switched to Mobil 1 75W-90 GL5 LS in both the front differential and transfer case, I drained both units and filled them again with Valvoline conventional 75W-90 GL5 and added 3 ozs of ARX to each unit. Both units hold approximately 1.5 qts apiece. The ARX has already stopped the leak after only 30 miles of 4WD driving. Very impressive!
Since my tranfer case seems to be full time (judging by the oil being warm when I changed it), I plan to just change it out after driving 1000 miles as per the instructions.
My question is, when should I change the front differential? It's part-time, and I highly doubt whether I will have 1000 miles on it after driving the truck for my normal 30,000 mile OCI for gear oil. Hunting season in the fall and winter is when it gets used the most, so it will be awhile before I will use it much at all. I'm thinking about just leaving it in the front diff and not worry about it anymore until 30K are up. Thoughts?
Well, it looks like ARX is doing a nice job on the T-case input shaft seal. The truck has been driven about 300+ miles now, and I've been trying to engage 4WD whenever possible. The leak no longer drips on my driveway, but the T-case is still moist (lower half). I'm also monitoring the front differential, as it is moist as well, but doesn't drip. I'll probably change the T-case ARX/gear oil at 1000 miles, as per the apllication instructions. I will leave the front diff ARX/gear oil in there for quite a bit longer (that's what I plan right now anyways).
I've had great success with ARX so far, and I consider it to be the single most important and effective product I have learned about over on BITOG. I'm not sure how the current Auto-RX/BITOG arrangement will work out for Frank, but I can't help but feel that he is losing a vast hungry audience.
Although I have used ARX for almost all recommended applications in my 2000 Tundra, 2003 G35, 2004 S2000, and my brand new 2009 RAV4, here are some things that stand out:
-2000 Tundra transmission was saved from an early grave. T-case and front diff are currently under repair.
-2003 G35 steering rack leak was halted.
-2004 S2000 no longer has valvetrain noise on cold start-up with 3oz maintenance dose of ARX. I think it would have great potential for curing the common auto-timing chain tensioner noise problem on AP1 S2000's.
-2009 RAV4 is on a 3oz maintenance dose in the engine since 600 miles. I changed the oil and filter (cartridge type) at 600 mile and the filter was clean with no signs of dirt/debrie. I changed it again last week at 2000 miles with the ARX maintenance dose and the filter media was darker than I expected (after 1400 miles) it to be, with quite a bit of dirt and debrie (insolubles). Very impressive. I'm glad I started the maintenance dose early, to say the least.
Update: I'm done with the ARX treatment on the T-case and everything is great now (no more input shaft seal leak) after driving 1050 miles.
I'm also treating the front diff at the same time, but probably have only used 4WD for 3-400 miles of that time. I've been trying to engage 4WD whenever possible (speeds less than 60MPH and no tight turns anticipated).
Since draining and refilling the units are a PIA (I wish I was skinnier!), I'd prefer to do both at the same time. Is there any harm in leaving the gear oil/ARX mix in these units for say another 1000 miles, or should I change the T-case now and wait on the front diff?
Also, is anyone using a 1 oz maintenance dose of ARX in the diffs/T-case? Is there any known harm in doing this? I plan to stick with the Valvoline 75W-90 conventional GL5 that I'm using for the ARX treatment. I'll be doing 30K mile OCI's.
Also, is anyone using a 1 oz maintenance dose of ARX in the diffs/T-case? Is there any known harm in doing this? I plan to stick with the Valvoline 75W-90 conventional GL5 that I'm using for the ARX treatment. I'll be doing 30K mile OCI's.
Ihavent ran across anyone using ARX in diff/t-cases perhaps frank has.
Daryl
-- Edited by dbdeland on Friday 8th of May 2009 02:47:21 PM
( Also, is anyone using a 1 oz maintenance dose of ARX in the diffs/T-case? Is there any known harm in doing this? I plan to stick with the Valvoline 75W-90 conventional GL5 that I'm using for the ARX treatment. I'll be doing 30K mile OCI's. )
I havent ran across anyone using ARX in diff/t-cases perhaps frank has.
Thanks Daryl. It looks like I'm the only one looking for answers about ARX and diffs (seal leaks specifically). I decided to just change the front and rear fluids after 1100 miles with conventional Valvoline. So far, so good. But I'll monitor throughout the 30K OCI.
Still wondering if anyone has experience with or an opinion on using ARX as a maintenance dose with their front and rear diff, as well as the tranfer case.
I'm currently treating the rear diff with 6 ozs of ARX (3.5qt pumpkin) and it's about time to drain and refill. I decided to do this after having both axles rebuilt because of an outer seal leak at 174K miles.
If no one has a clue about this subject, I think I'll just add 3ozs of ARX for a maintenance dose when I do the drain and refill.
