New Rear Diff Oil Before or After Tow?

meltingpoint · 06-21-2006, 05:58 AM

I'm planning to take my '05 Titan out for its first big tow next week. The truck currently has about 6500 miles on it and my travel trailer is about 4000 lbs. I'm getting my oil changed and tires rotated a few days before the trip and was thinking of giving the rear differential its first fluid change at the same time.

At a cost of $80 for the change, do you think it is really needed?

If so, would it be best to change the fluid before or after my 500 mile trip?

Thanks

sudden urge · 06-21-2006, 06:22 AM

If I were to change it, I would do it after the tow since you have low mileage. Personally, I have no intentions of changing the differental oil and will follow the owners manual schedule. If the rear fails, it will be Nissans problem imo.

skyhammer · 06-21-2006, 07:30 AM

I would definitely change the diff. oil before you tow. In fact I would have have changed the oil sooner.Many of us on this board change the diff. oil at 5k or less. You may be surprised at how dirty the oil is.

spidy · 06-21-2006, 07:42 AM

$80? wow . . . or you could just pick up a few bottles of mobil1's gear oil that everyone here is using and do it yourself, saving you around $50 (if you only do the rear) and giving you the peace of mind of it being done. just my $.02.

jaimr · 06-21-2006, 08:51 AM

I changed mine out at 1000 miles and then again at 5000 and 15000. Per the recommendation of my dealer I will be changing out the oil every 10000. I believe that the rear ends are going out for other reasons other then the weak spider gears. I think that it is due to heat and oil break down. imo.

sudden urge · 06-21-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyhammer

I would definitely change the diff. oil before you tow. In fact I would have have changed the oil sooner.Many of us on this board change the diff. oil at 5k or less. You may be surprised at how dirty the oil is.

If the gears are a bad design or flawed, why waste any money trying to prolong the inevitable.

jaimr · 06-21-2006, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudden urge

If the gears are a bad design or flawed, why waste any money trying to prolong the inevitable.

You are assuming that the gears are a flawed. What if it is not a gear problem but a heat issue?

sudden urge · 06-21-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaimr

You are assuming that the gears are a flawed. What if it is not a gear problem but a heat issue?

You can say what if all day long. The fact is the oil will not mask a heat problem or any other problem. The owners manual clearly states what and when fluids are to be changed.

skyhammer · 06-21-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudden urge

If the gears are a bad design or flawed, why waste any money trying to prolong the inevitable.

Whether the diff. is flawed etc. is not the point. It is good to change the oil on any diff.,tranny, motor etc. after a few thousand miles to get the debris from manufacturing etc. out. This will help insure the longevity of your trucks parts regardless of the make, brand or model.

meltingpoint · 06-21-2006, 12:09 PM

How about I change the question a bit.

Let's say that I want to change the rear diff oil soon. Would it be more beneficial to change it before I tow this trailer for 500 miles, or after?

BTW, here are some more details about the truck, in case it matters. It is a 2005 SE King Cab 4x2 with Big Tow, Utility Bed, and Trac (Limited Slip) packages.

jaimr · 06-21-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltingpoint

How about I change the question a bit.

Let's say that I want to change the rear diff oil soon. Would it be more beneficial to change it before I tow this trailer for 500 miles, or after?

BTW, here are some more details about the truck, in case it matters. It is a 2005 SE King Cab 4x2 with Big Tow, Utility Bed, and Trac (Limited Slip) packages.

Change it before you tow. The purpose of the oil it to lubricate and cool the rear gears. While towing you are putting extra stress on the rear and fresh oil is always better then old.

sudden urge · 06-21-2006, 01:41 PM

Do someting better for the rear by adding traction springs. For $80 this greatly reduces rock and axle wrap, therefore helping the whole rear drivetrain. I still say leave the oil in there and follow the owners manual. Spend that $80 on something like I just mentioned.

Ramon · 06-21-2006, 08:21 PM

It would be wise to change it before you go. I also would change it after you tow that many miles for the first time. I have got 7500 miles on my truck and tow a camper 4500lbs about every 4-5 weeks on 100 - 200 mile trips. I have changed my oil 3 times, plus I just changed it after my 1800 mile trip pulling a small 5' x 8' trailer last week. The rearend runs hot when towing and breaks down oil quick.

vegashd · 06-26-2006, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaimr

You are assuming that the gears are a flawed. What if it is not a gear problem but a heat issue?

considering the Dana 44 axle is found in other vehicles with NO problems or heat issues, what would you say the nautre of the failures be?

bestatchess · 06-26-2006, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegashd

considering the Dana 44 axle is found in other vehicles

In itty bitty Jeeps with itty bitty tow ratings.