By JC on Wednesday, August 29, 2001 - 07:22 am: Edit

I'm planning to change the fluids in my 95 NAS Disco this week and being my first time doing this I need some advice as to what I should use.
I'm planning on changing the transfer case, diffs, swivel balls, and tranny(auto), as well as lubing the drive shafts. If anyone could give me some recommendations as to what grease/oil I should use for each these it would be a great help.
Also while on the subject, would it be worthwhile to switch over to synthetics, are there any advantages to doing this?
Thanks,
Jon

By Perrone Ford on Wednesday, August 29, 2001 - 09:07 am: Edit

I think this was talked about recently. I'm sure others will give their opinions.

Grease:

I use Mobil 1 synthetic because it is easy for me to get and is one of the better greases on the market. It is an EP grease suitable for bearings and other high-speed, and high pressure applications. I use it anywhere grease is called for.

Swivels, Diffs

I use generic 80w90 oil. I intend to switch to synthetics with my next change as they tend to run cooler and break down less. They also run quieter, and flow better when cold. They are more expensive and you will probably never recoup the difference in price regardless of the fact they offer less friction.

Tranny, Xfer case

Use whatever you manual calls for. Some ask for ATF, others for other oil. Synthetics offer some real advantages in terms of running cooler, and lowering friction. They also protect better but are expensive.

Engine Oil

Almost any good oil will do. Synthetics again are available, expensive, and useful. I don't use them yet, but likely will now that I am getting near 100k miles.

Worth noting:

If you are greasing the driveshafts for the first time, take the time to remove each zerk (grease fitting) drop it in some solvent for 20 minutes to clean it up, and make sure it's working properly. Also clean up the old grease that builds up where the zerks screw in. Failure to do these two things generally means you won't be getting grease into the u-joints and driveshaft.

If you haven't done your wheel bearings yet, you may want to think about doing that as well. 5 years is a lot to ask from wheel bearing on a truck that sees off-road duty. Changing out the brake fluid wouldn't hurt either. I change mine twice a year but that is excessive. Once every 2 years or so is recommended.

-P