Redline Shockproof gear oil for Dana 44?

[Erik VanRenselaar]

When I installed new gearsets in my Scout's Dana 44 axles (in 2002), I also started using the redline lightweight (blue-green) "shockproof" gear oil in the axles. At the local dirt circle track, the heavy shockproof (red) is preferred by most. Since the Scout is a non-race vehicle, I figured that the lightweight gear oil would be good for my fresh r&ps.

What's the opinion on the redline shockproof gear oils?

 

[DF Sales&Marketing]

Hello erik,

I had to go to the redline website to research the "light shockproof gear oil" you mentioned as I am only familiar with the "heavy shockproof oil" which is run in many dirt track cars in the differentials. From what I see listed, it is primarily recommended for manual transmissions and some transaxles, with some "light-duty" applications in differentials. I know several people who prefer to use the red line products, as they are a "true" synthetic oil manufacturer. I am not a proponent of synthetic oils when there is a good as/better than product available which is a petroleum based product.

Living in petaluma, you are probably familiar with the dirt track at the fairgrounds there where sprint cars rule.....I've been there many times for sprint car races and froze my tail off even during June after the sun goes down!

In an effort not to be biased, because, after all, I do recommend swepco products, I really feel that the product you have chosen might be a little light for your application as it is down in the 30wt range, whereas even the redline heavy shockproof gear oil would be a better choice because of it's higher viscosity range. - now, here's something to consider; as I mentioned before, redline is a synthetic product and the heavy shockproof oil they have is notorious for finding every weak spot in the seals and gaskets. I'm not sure if the light version of their shockproof oil would have the same effect on seals and gaskets. I've converted many a redline shockproof customer over to swepco's 210-80/140 gear oil for the first reason that it is more compatible with the seals and gaskets, and secondly we have noted a dramatic difference in the amount of heat in sprint car differentials after switching. In sprint applications, I've had differential ring & pinion gears as well as quick-change gears last well over 10 years, which is really exceptional.

If you are interested in purchasing the swepco 210 - 80/140 gear oil, please go to the ihon purchase page, Jeff stocks it in the gallon jugs.

Here's what I cut and pasted from the redline website concerning their lightweight shockproof gear oil:

lightweight shockproof®

a unique gear oil designed to lubricate racing transmissions and transaxles which see serious loads (not recommended for most syncro-type transmissions). It has excellent low-temperature flow which allows easier shifting when cold. May be used to obtain maximum power transfer in racing differentials which do not see high temperatures. Similar to a 75w140 gear oil, but with the lower internal friction of an sae 30 motor oil.

Used in most road-racing differentials with moderate power and dogring racing transaxles.


Hope that helps!
Dick floryanowich

 

[Erik VanRenselaar]

Thanks for the reply. I chose the redline because it is a true synthetic. From what I understand, synthetic gear lubes make a hypoid diff run cooler than regular oils. The local redline distributor recommended the lightweight gear lube over the heavy for my application. I have noticed some minor gasket and seal seeping with the redline, and the seals/gaskets were new when I switched to the redline lube.

I have also noticed that the royal purple line of synthetics seems to gaining in popularity.

What's the advantage of the swepco 210 lube over something like the typical valvoline 85w90 gl-5 lube?

 

[DF Sales&Marketing]

Hi erik,

I was in the process of just finishing up a l o n g reply to your post and somehow lost the whole thing, so if two of them show up, it's because I fumble fingered something along the way! I will attempt to recall what my reply was:

of course a synthetic dealer or representative will say that their product runs cooler, gives more protection, etc than the common petro stock oils in the market give, and in a lot of cases, that might be a true statement. However in the last 23 years in the business, I have found that synthetics do not match the kind of protection that you get from using a high quality product such as from swepco (what else would you expect me to say?).

Redline oils are true synthetic oils, royal purple makes both true synthetic and polyalphaolephin (pao) oils, which are otherwise known as "semi-synthetic." royal purple is still a relative newbie in the field, they started out making synthetic compressor oil and went on from there. Red line has always been associated with "high-performance" applications such as in racing. I am really not a fan of synthetic oils when I have seen the difference in using them vs. Swepco products, but (and I'm being honest here) if I had to make a choice between using different synthetic Products, I would probably choose red line.

I can tell you from personal experience and testimonies from users, that we have outperformed redline, royal purple, and just about any other oil companies "synthetic" products with results such as lower operating temperatures, better parts protection (longer life) and seal compatibility. I have redline dealers who purchase swepco products in certain applications because they have found the same results. Whether it is engine oil, or gear oil, we have always come out on top. I now have two major racing teams who used redline, one in their engine oil and have switched to swepco 306 - 20/50, and the other in the shockproof gear oil, switching to the swepco 210-80/140, both have made statements to the tune of "that oil is incredible."

as far as comparing the valvoline "85/90" gear oil you mentioned, as far as I know, valvoline does not make an 85/90, maybe you were getting that confused with an 80/90, which they make two different oils, one a petro stock, the other a semi-synthetic (pao), or 75/90 which is listed as a "full synthetic" oil.

I would go up against any of those with either the swepco 201-80/90 or the 210-80/140 gear oils. The 201 was made famous for use in the troublesome porsche transaxles, and putting the 201-80/90 (otherwise known as blue goo), straightened out the notchy shifting problems as well as lowered the heat. However, for customers racing those machines, I still recommend the 210-80/140 as it is a "true multigraded" gear oil and will cover the recommendations for the following weights: 80/90, 90, 85/140 and 140. I have also recommended it for applications calling for the 75/90 synthetic oils and it has excelled in all of those. The typical results would be lower operating temperatures, longer parts life and better seal compatibility. Another application the 210 is noted for is in sand buggies where they typically use a modified vw bus transaxle. They are very susceptible to failure and the 210 does a great job.

I might have gotten off the subject a little, but once I get going, it's hard to stop!

Hope that helps.