Help! Differential ID and lube woes!

[c903]

Differential gasket on 1994 Dodge B250 V6 was seeping (133,000 miles) so I pulled the cover, drained the rear end, and installed new gasket. However, as I prepared to add new lubricant is when my headaches began.

Not sure of model/type of differential because no ID marks on housing. Assume it is Chrysler rear end because it took a Chrysler gasket. Have not jacked van to see if it has “limited-slip” but it has an extra metal tag on cover bolt and manual indicates the extra tag signifies that the differential has LS.

Tag on left side of cover has the number “0423.” I assume that is the gear ratio. The other tag, the one that supposedly represents an LS rear end, has the number “35.” ???????

Anyone know .....

1. What does the No. 35 on the one tag represent?
2. Is the “0423" the gear ratio?
3.. what is the best gear lube type/weight for a 1994 Dodge (Chrysler) 3.9L differential ( I do haul a 15' fiberglass tri-hull boat at times)?
4. What type of “limited slip” additive do I use, and in what ratio to the gear lube?
5. What did Dodge call their “limited slip” rear end in 1994?

[Dodgevanman]

Differential gasket on 1994 Dodge B250 V6 was seeping (133,000 miles) so I pulled the cover, drained the rear end, and installed new gasket. However, as I prepared to add new lubricant is when my headaches began.

Not sure of model/type of differential because no ID marks on housing. Assume it is Chrysler rear end because it took a Chrysler gasket. Have not jacked van to see if it has “limited-slip” but it has an extra metal tag on cover bolt and manual indicates the extra tag signifies that the differential has LS.

Tag on left side of cover has the number “0423.” I assume that is the gear ratio. The other tag, the one that supposedly represents an LS rear end, has the number “35.” ???????

Anyone know .....

1. What does the No. 35 on the one tag represent?
2. Is the “0423" the gear ratio?
3.. what is the best gear lube type/weight for a 1994 Dodge (Chrysler) 3.9L differential ( I do haul a 15' fiberglass tri-hull boat at times)?
4. What type of “limited slip” additive do I use, and in what ratio to the gear lube?
5. What did Dodge call their “limited slip” rear end in 1994?


1. The "35" means you have a 3.54 ratio rear
2. Not sure what the "0423" is but is could be a build date
3. 80W90 is a good "all around" weight
4. The easiest way to tell if you have an LS rear is to jack up the rear so both wheels are off the ground. Spin one of the wheels by hand and see if the other wheels spins in the same direction. If it does, then you have LS, if not you don't.
5. Dodge used to call their LS rears Sure-Grip, but has since changed it to Anti-Spin.

[c903]

Dodgevanman:

Thank you for reply.

On a Dodge "Anti-Spin" (limited slip) differential, when the tires spin in opposite directions, can one be sure that the differential is not a limited slip?

Buddy thought possible that LS might not kick in unless wheels are on ground and resistance is applied to wheels.

[Dodgevanman]

You can be almost 100% sure it's not LS if the wheels spin in opposite directions. Did you fill the diff. with lube yet? If not pull the cover back off and see if you notice the clutch packs that would make the rear an LS type.

You may also find this info under the hood. There should be a sticker stuck to the underside of the hood itself with info. like trans. type, rear type, etc.

[c903]

Dodgevanman:

Thank you, again.

I have reassembled and refilled differential. The sticker does not indicate that the diff is an LS. Wouldn't it be nice if the mfg's would clearly indicate and post all mech aspects about a vehicle so that one does not have to be Sherlock Holmes to track down the data? :)

Also, while I am on the subject. If one is not comfortably sure that a diff is not an LS differential, can you think of any adverse affects if an LS additive is added and the differential does not have LS?

Mike

[Dodgevanman]

The only thing that additive is, is an anti-foaming device. No it won't hurt a non-LS rear.