M-38 Differential oil

millstoneman · Post by **millstoneman** » Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:17 am

Hi Everyone,
I am a new member posting for the first time. I have owned my 1952 M-38 for 35 years now. Over the years I have noticed that the oil in my front differential is much thicker (almost like a foamy light viscosity grease) than that of the rear diff. I have drained and changed the oil many times (it doesn't drain so I remove the cover to help facilitate draining) flushed out all this thick goopy gear oil with diesel and a brush, and refilled with the appropriate 90 wt EP gear oil. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks, Millstoneman

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Sep 20, 2021 5:43 am

In an earlier reply to a similar post Wes noted the front diff gets much less use so the oil retains its viscosity longer than the rest diff.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 20, 2021 7:54 am

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2021 10:46 am Post subject: Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster
No, Occasional accidental use of 4WD on hard surfaces seldom does any serious damage.

Lightly used or almost never used oil will maintain it's original viscosity much much much longer then gear oil that is driven between gears continuously which tends to loose it's original viscosity!
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Wes K