So is my truck going to be scrap metal?

DaveS · 11-30-2004, 11:14 AM

I'm getting pretty freaked out after ready some of the posts on this site about truck problems! If my trucks gets even a few of the problems some people have got, I'm going to be really bummed. I don't want a blown diff or a replaced transmission!

I just turned over 10,000 miles on my SE 4x4 CC. The only issue I've had so far is is a fully wicked brake shudder that the dealer plans to fix in the next week or so. I have been on waiting list for this fix for 2 months now. The dealer promised me a loaner car, a full detail, and a set of license plate frames (oh boy) for the inconvenience.

No squeaks, no rattles. No loose knobs. A bit of trim scraped off the steering wheel - replaced by the dealer. My other car is a Lexus LS400, so I know what a squeak-free car is.

No radio problems at all.

I've changed the oil twice with 10W-30, and the rear diff is full, or at least the dealer checked it and told me it is.

About 2,000 miles of the 10,000 has been logged towing my 8,500 pound boat through 110 degree Mojave desert heat at 70 mph+. Up and down the hills, the temp guage only moved a tick or two.

I bought the 6-year, 100,000 Nissan extended warranty with the truck, so I'm going to use the truck like crazy, get my money's worth out of it, and if something breaks, it's on Nissan's tab.

Overall, I'm pretty darn happy with the truck. It's comfortable and fun to drive. It does everything I've asked it to do, so far at least. It uses a lot of gas, but it's supposed to.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Zardoz · 11-30-2004, 11:29 AM

Change the rear diff fluid and put in synthetic or at least change it now!! You will
find the oil icky to the max. I am assuming you read the manual about keeping the
speed to 50 for the first 500 miles of hard towing to break in the rear axle. Right?

Zardoz

CoachBoone · 11-30-2004, 11:33 AM

Don't be alarmed, but the rattles will come. Trust me, they will come. But by then....approx 10,000 miles for me....you will love driving your Titan so much you'll learn to live with the rattles. Think of the rattles as your little friends

DaveS · 11-30-2004, 11:36 AM

I didn't hook up the boat until I had about 900 miles on the truck, and then took it easy the first couple of tows, which were local and short.

What will synthetic diff lube do for me?

CoachBoone · 11-30-2004, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveS

I didn't hook up the boat until I had about 900 miles on the truck, and then took it easy the first couple of tows, which were local and short.

What will synthetic diff lube do for me?

I had to get synthetic after I baked my factory oil after my first big tow. I believe it has a higher flash point, it withstands higher temps than oil oil.

bestatchess · 11-30-2004, 11:47 AM

What is your understanding as to the required mileage interval for changing the rear differential fluid with heavy towing?

DaveS · 11-30-2004, 11:52 AM

I'm actually not sure with the interval is. From a principle standpoint, if Nissan sold me a truck that can tow 9,400 pounds, and they put in diff fluid that can't hold up, shouldn't they have to buy me new and correct fluid?

DaveS · 11-30-2004, 11:55 AM

CoachBoone,

How did you know your fluid was cooked? Did something leak or fail? Did the dealer pay for your fluid change and upgrade to synthetic?

CoachBoone · 11-30-2004, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveS

CoachBoone,

How did you know your fluid was cooked? Did something leak or fail? Did the dealer pay for your fluid change and upgrade to synthetic?

On a tow from Portland Orygun to Monument, CO I stopped at a jippy lube to change oil and I had planned on having them check rear diff because I had read here of the issue we are all now aware of. In fact before we left I called my dealer and asked, suggested, nearly pleaded to have them check it before we leave, but they said nah, don't worry about it. At jippy lube they found "gunk" in the cover, and oh my freakin Lord did that $hit stink. The re-filled it, we headed back home, it STILL stunk at high revs again, and when I got back I took it in and the service genius said it was indeed cooked again, so after yapping with Nissan poindexters they came up with SYNTHETIC OIL....hey, imagine that! Since then I have not had any problems, but then I haven't towed up the likes of the Rockies since then either. I keep a wary eye on that cover.....I'd LIKE to get one of those finned jobbies, but we'll see.

DaveS · 11-30-2004, 12:09 PM

Thanks for the info. What weight are you towing?

Brons2 · 11-30-2004, 12:15 PM

New recommendation for the rear end is supposed to be 75w140, I am sticking with 80w90 because I don't do any towing.

Diff OCI for towing is 3,000 miles, btw.

DaveS · 11-30-2004, 12:24 PM

Thanks Brons2. I guess I'd better change it and I'll use synthetic. Any brand recommendations?

MO Titan · 11-30-2004, 12:28 PM

Mobile 1. That's what I have.

Brons2 · 11-30-2004, 12:37 PM

Redline, Amsoil, Mobil 1, they're all good ones. The Redline gear oil is probably their most reasonably priced product, and it's a Group V Ester based synthetic.

CoachBoone · 11-30-2004, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveS

Thanks for the info. What weight are you towing?

I've got a 32 foot Jayco, around 5600 dry, no more than 6500-7000 loaded. What do you tow?