Parts and Accessories

Axle Components


Minor and Master Overhaul Kits

Coming Soon...


Ring and Pinion Gears

Coming Soon...


Differentials and Lockers


  Crawlpedia Differential Locker Comparison Article
Axle Shafts

Coming Soon...


Differential Covers and Guards

Coming Soon...



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Differential Cover Gaskets

When it comes to sealing the differential cover, there are three options. The most common is to use RTV silicone as it is cheap and readily available at any auto parts store. Another option is a cork or felt type gasket that you will find included with most aftermarket rebuild kits. These old-school gaskets tend to work fine if the axle and differential cover are clean and new but will often leak on used axles, especially if the differential cover is bent in any way. Our favorite option and top recommendation is a Lube Locker heavy duty gasket. These have a metal core that is elastomer coated and features three rows of elastomer beads for a tight, mess free, dry seal.



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Gear Oil

Gear oil, or gear lube, is specially formulated to reduce friction and wear in hypoid gears like automotive ring and pinion gear sets. Gear oil needs to be the proper viscosity to provide the lubrication needed for the application so it is critical that the appropriate gear oil is used. Oil viscosity is measured as "weight" by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and has nothing to do with how much the oil actually weighs but rather how thick it is at a given temperature. Because the thickness of the oil changes with temperature, most gear oil is rated at two points, the maximum operating temperature around 200 ℉ and 32 ℉ for freezing cold-start situations designated by a "W" for "Winter". Gear oil viscosity ranges from SAE10 (extra light) to SAE250 (extra heavy) with 75-80 being common for cold start-up and 90-250 for the operating range.

While most gear oils are categorized as multi-grade oils with a recommended usable range like 75W-90 or 80W-140, some specialized oils will have a specific temperature rating like 70W for cold temperature use only or SAE250 for heavy duty, high temperature, aplications. High temperature specific oils should be pre-heated prior to use.

Gear oil is available in two types, standard mineral oil and full synthetic. Mineral oil is cheap and great for low budget applications, farm use, or frequent replacement situations. For most applications, however, a full synthetic gear lube is highly recommended for its superior properties. When in doubt, use a full synthetic gear lube.

75W-90 Gear Oil is recommended for most applications where some below freezing start-up is expected.
75W-110 Gear Oil is recommended where some below freezing temperature use is expected as well as some moderate towing.
75W-140 Gear Oil provides the best overall protection for trucks and SUVs as it allows for cold starts and heavy towing.
SAE250 Gear Oil is recommended for high temperature, extreme use applications only and should not be used in cold temperatures.



Differential Temp

Cold temperatures require a lighter weight gear oil,
or a multi-grade gear oil with a 75W rating.


Differential Temp

For warmer ambient temperatures, most non-specific
multi-grade gear oils will work great.

Differential Temp

In most applications, gear oil will maintain a temperature
10-20 degrees above ambient air temperature.


Differential Temp

Extreme applications like heavy towing or desert
racing will require extra heavy gear oil.



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U-Joints
  Crawlpedia U-Joint Size and Strength Comparison Article