If you’re looking for high-quality and reliable gear oil for limited slip differentials, you’ve come to the right place. But before you buy just any gear oil, there are some important factors you should consider to make sure you get the best product for your needs.
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the viscosity of the gear oil. Different viscosity grades will work better for different climates, temperatures, and driving conditions. You’ll also want to make sure that the gear oil you choose is compatible with your particular limited slip differential, as not all products will work equally well with all types of differentials.
Other important factors to consider include the brand reputation, customer reviews, and any additional additives included in the gear oil. Some gear oils may include special additives that help to reduce friction, improve fuel economy, and extend the life of your differential.
So if you’re tired of hearing strange noises coming from your differential or simply want to protect your vehicle’s sensitive components, high-quality gear oil is a must-have. But with so many options available on the market, how do you know which product is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about the best gear oils for limited slip differentials and what factors you should consider before making your purchase.
10 Best Gear Oil For Limited Slip Differentials
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This product is ideal for heavy-duty manual transmission, hypoid gear system, and differential vehicles that require a premium lubricant.
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Ideal for high performance axle and differential systems with limited slip ready, providing extreme pressure protection for up to 750,000 miles.
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Ideal for reducing friction and wear in gearboxes, differentials, and final drives of heavy-duty machinery.
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This product is ideal for lubricating manual transmissions, gears, and differentials in vehicles with limited slip differentials.
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This product is ideal for heavy-duty manual transmissions, hypoid gear systems, and differentials that require LS additive protection.
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This gear oil is ideal for use in differential applications requiring a GL-5 rated lubricant.
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Chevron® Delo® EP5 Gear Oil 80w90 – 55 Gallon Drum is ideal for lubricating gears, transmissions, and differentials in heavy-duty equipment.
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8
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Ideal for improving traction and reducing wheel spin in limited slip differentials, ultimately increasing overall performance.
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Ideal for use in limited slip differentials and other heavy-duty gear systems, providing exceptional protection and performance.
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10
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It is ideal for reducing friction and improving traction in different types of vehicles, including those with limited-slip differentials.
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1. Premium Hypoid Gear Lube – Nato Approved!
The gear oil with the widest spec range on the market, this product is compatible with a large number of hypoid gear systems, differentials, transmissions, and axle assemblies. Its exceptional shear stability and oxidation resistance make it ideal for severe service conditions. The polyphosphate EP proprietary additive system offers substantial improvement in performance over previous generation, low-cost gear oils. With a built-in limited slip additive, this product is optimized for all limited slip differentials, including those with built-in wet brakes. It also offers outstanding scuffing protection, superb gear and synchron protection, facilitating extremely long transmission life. This gear oil exceeds Load Stage 13 extreme pressure requirements beyond 120,000 lbs/sq in. Its excellent thermal stability and high load capacity without viscosity breakdown facilitate excellent film strength under high loads, high temp, and high shear conditions.
- Wide compatibility with a large number of hypoid gear systems, differentials, transmissions, and axle assemblies
- Exceptional shear stability and oxidation resistance, ideal for severe service conditions
- Polyphosphate EP proprietary additive system offers substantial improvement in performance over previous generation, low-cost gear oils
- Built-in limited slip additive optimized for all limited slip differentials, including those with built-in wet brakes
- Outstanding scuffing protection and superb gear and synchron protection, facilitating extremely long transmission life
- Exceeds Load Stage 13 extreme pressure requirements beyond 120,000 lbs/sq in
- Excellent thermal stability and high load capacity without viscosity breakdown, facilitating excellent film strength under high loads, high temp, and high shear conditions
2. Max-Syn Axle Oil: Extreme Performance & Durability
Introducing the high-performance gear oil that boasts extreme drain intervals, ensuring maximum protection for your heavy-duty pickup trucks, passenger cars, Class 8 highway trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles. With a remarkable 500,000 miles drain interval for heavy-duty pickup trucks and passenger cars, and a staggering 750,000 miles for Class 8 highway trucks, this gear oil is guaranteed to provide unrivaled shear stability and longevity.
This gear oil meets and exceeds API GL-5 and limited slip requirements, with a wide range of specifications across multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). It can handle extreme conditions, with up to 62% less wear compared to OEM specifications across various standards. With exceptional load-bearing capacity that exceeds the highest load test rating, stage 14, it is perfect for hypoid and ring gears, differentials, limited slip, heavy-duty highway passenger cars, heavy-duty off-road, racing/drifting.
This gear oil will not shear under extreme torque and provides exceptional power transfer under extreme conditions. It has proven protection far beyond specification requirements, delivering excellent extreme pressure and anti-wear performance in a wide range of limited slip and non-limited slip gear systems with hypoid and other gears.
- Extreme drain intervals for maximum protection
- Unrivaled shear stability and longevity
- Meets and exceeds API GL-5 and limited slip requirements
- Wide range of specifications across multiple OEMs
- Up to 62% less wear compared to OEM specifications
- Exceptional load-bearing capacity
- Perfect for hypoid and ring gears, differentials, limited slip, heavy-duty highway passenger cars, heavy-duty off-road, racing/drifting
- Exceptional power transfer under extreme conditions
- Proven protection far beyond specification requirements
- Excellent extreme pressure and anti-wear performance in a wide range of limited slip and non-limited slip gear systems with hypoid and other gears
3. Kendall Special Limited Slip 80w90 Gear Oil
This gear oil is designed for use in passenger car and truck axles that have either conventional or limited-slip differentials. It is a versatile oil that can be used for the initial fill of new or rebuilt limited-slip differentials, for top-offs, and for refills after a complete drain. This oil is sold in cases of 12 one-quart bottles.
The gear oil is formulated to provide excellent protection for gears and bearings, ensuring smooth operation and long life for the axle. It is compatible with a wide range of seal materials, making it easy to use with different types of axles. The oil also has excellent thermal stability, which helps prevent deposits and other forms of damage that can result from high operating temperatures.
The gear oil is easy to install and use, and it comes in a convenient one-quart bottle with a secure cap that prevents leaks and spills. It is a high-quality oil that provides reliable performance and protection, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to ensure the longevity and reliability of their axle.
- Can be used for initial fill of new or rebuilt limited-slip differentials, top-offs, and refills after a complete drain
- Provides excellent protection for gears and bearings
- Compatible with a wide range of seal materials
- Has excellent thermal stability to prevent deposits and other forms of damage from high operating temperatures
- Comes in a convenient one-quart bottle with a secure cap to prevent leaks and spills
4. Ultimate Synergy Gear Lubricant – 5 Gallon
The extreme drain intervals of this product make it stand out among others. Heavy-duty trucks and passenger cars can go up to 500,000 miles before needing an oil change, while Class 8 highway trucks can last up to 750,000 miles. This professional grade oil provides unrivaled shear stability and longevity, meeting and exceeding API GL-5 and Limited Slip requirements, and meeting a wide range of specifications across multiple OEMs. It offers excellent wear control, reducing wear by up to 62% compared to OEM specifications across various standards. This oil has an exceptional load bearing capacity, exceeding the highest load test rating, Stage 14. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including hypoid and ring gears, differentials, limited slip, heavy-duty highway, passenger cars, heavy-duty off-road, racing, and drifting. This oil will not shear under extreme torque and features exceptional power transfer under extreme conditions. It greatly exceeds EP and AW tests FZG and L-37, providing proven protection far beyond spec requirements, and delivers excellent EP (extreme pressure) and AW (anti-wear) performance in a wide range of LS and non-LS gear systems, with hypoid and other gears.
- Long drain intervals of up to 500,000 miles for heavy-duty trucks and passenger cars, and 750,000 miles for Class 8 highway trucks
- Unrivaled shear stability and longevity
- Meets and exceeds API GL-5 and Limited Slip requirements
- Excellent wear control with up to 62% less wear vs OEM specifications
- Exceptional load bearing capacity that exceeds the highest load test rating, Stage 14
- Wide range of applications including hypoid and ring gears, differentials, limited slip, heavy-duty highway, passenger cars, heavy-duty off-road, racing, and drifting
- Greatly exceeds EP and AW tests FZG and L-37, providing proven protection far beyond spec requirements
- Delivers excellent EP (extreme pressure) and AW (anti-wear) performance in a wide range of LS and non-LS gear systems, with hypoid and other gears
5. Triax Premium Ls Differential Gear Oil.
The Extreme Shear Resistance and Load Carrying Capacity without Shearing is an exceptional product for heavy equipment applications that require higher performance demands on the drive train and differential lubricants. It offers exceptional protection for gears and syncrons as well as limited slip ready without the need for additional additives. This product is perfect for use in limited slip differentials, posi-track, and other LS differentials, as well as hypoid gear systems and heavy-duty transmissions.
This product offers high-quality base oils together with minimal use of VI Improvers, which offers outstanding shear stability. It provides exceptional reliability in today's modern drive train applications as well as in older models. Additionally, it protects against low speed/high torque wear and scuffing, as well as polish wear. It also offers improved lubrication and extended seal life with exceptional anti-foaming properties. The product also provides high thermal stability and outstanding oxidation resistance, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications.
- Exceptional protection for gears and syncrons
- Limited Slip ready without the need for additional additives
- Offers outstanding shear stability
- Provides high thermal stability and outstanding oxidation resistance
- Improved lubrication and extended seal life with exceptional anti-foaming properties
- Protects against low speed/high torque wear and scuffing, as well as polish wear
- Exceptional reliability in today's modern drive train applications as well as in older models
- Perfect for use in limited slip differentials, posi-track, and other LS differentials, hypoid gear systems, and heavy-duty transmissions
- High-quality base oils together with minimal use of VI Improvers
6. Red Line 50104 75w85 Gl-5 Differential Gear Oil – Quart (12 Pack)
The product is a high-quality gear oil that is compatible with a wide range of late model BMW, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Ram, and Toyota vehicles. It can be used for a variety of applications, including differential oil, final drive oil, gear oil, and transfer case fluid.
This gear oil is specifically designed to work well with clutch-type limited slip differentials. It contains additional friction modifiers that make it suitable for use with most LSDs without requiring any additional friction modifiers. However, it is important to note that this product is not recommended for use in most manual transmissions or transaxles with synchronizers. Extreme slipperiness may cause shifting problems.
Formerly known as LightWeight Gear Oil, this product comes in a pack of 12 bottles, each containing 1 quart of gear oil.
- Compatible with a wide range of late model vehicles from various brands
- Can be used for a variety of applications, including differential oil, final drive oil, gear oil, and transfer case fluid
- Contains additional friction modifiers for suitability with clutch-type limited slip differentials
- – Not designed for use in most manual transmissions or transaxles with synchronizers
7. K&w 402508 Trans-X Posi Trac Limited Slip Gear Oil Additive – 7 Fl Oz
This product is designed to minimize the noise produced by differentials and to enhance the performance of gear oil. It ensures the smooth operation of the limited-slip differential, and reduces friction, wear and overheating while eliminating chatter. This gear oil additive can be used with conventional GL-5 or synthetic gear oils. It meets the specifications set by GM, Ford, and Chrysler.
With this gear oil additive, you can enjoy a quieter ride and a smoother operation of your vehicle. It is also effective in reducing the wear and tear on your car's differentials, which can save you money in the long run. This product is a must-have for anyone who wants to extend the life of their vehicle's gears and improve its overall performance.
- Reduces differential noise
- Improves gear oil performance
- Maintains smooth operation of limited-slip
- Reduces friction, wear, and overheating
- Can be used with conventional GL-5 or synthetic gear oils
- Meets GM, Ford, and Chrysler specifications
8. Liqui Moly (20042) 75w-140 Limited Slip Synthetic Gear Oil – 1 Liter
The LIQUI MOLY Gear Oil is a high-performance lubricant that is specially designed for highly stressed axle drives with or without limited-slip differentials. This product is perfect for vehicles that require oil with Limited Slip additives (LS), making it an ideal choice for motorsports enthusiasts. The oil is also recommended by LIQUI MOLY for BMW axle drives, ensuring top-notch performance and protection for your vehicle.
This gear oil is formulated with advanced additives that enhance its lubrication properties, providing excellent wear protection and reducing friction and heat buildup. Its high-quality base oils ensure that it maintains its viscosity even under extreme temperatures, ensuring that your vehicle's axle drives are well-protected and perform optimally. Moreover, this product is fully compatible with the requirements of most vehicle and aggregate manufacturers, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of vehicles.
In summary, the LIQUI MOLY Gear Oil is a premium-grade lubricant that delivers superior performance and protection for highly stressed axle drives. Its advanced formulation, compatibility with LS additives and vehicle manufacturers' requirements, and suitability for motorsports make it an excellent choice for demanding drivers and vehicles.
- High-performance lubricant for highly stressed axle drives
- Formulated with advanced additives for excellent wear protection
- Reduces friction and heat buildup
- Maintains viscosity even under extreme temperatures
- Fully compatible with most vehicle and aggregate manufacturers' requirements
- Suitable for motorsports
- Recommended for BMW axle drives
9. Yukon Friction Modifier/posi Additive
This positraction additive is designed to enhance the performance of any clutch-style limited slip differential. The formula is engineered to provide additional friction modifier to the differential fluid, enabling it to work more effectively to prevent wheel slippage and improve traction. The additive is compatible with both synthetic and petroleum-based gear oils, making it versatile and easy to use.
This positraction additive is perfect for high-performance vehicles, off-road vehicles, and any other application where strong traction is necessary. The formula is specially designed to reduce chatter and noise associated with limited slip differentials, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride. It also helps to extend the life of clutch packs and other differential components, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
This positraction additive is simple to use. Just add it to your differential fluid according to the manufacturer's instructions. The formula is available in a convenient 4 oz. bottle, which is enough for most applications. With regular use, this additive can help ensure optimal performance from your limited slip differential, no matter what conditions you encounter.
- Enhances the performance of any clutch-style limited slip differential
- Reduces chatter and noise associated with limited slip differentials
- Extends the life of clutch packs and other differential components
- Compatible with both synthetic and petroleum-based gear oils
- Easy to use
Best Gear Oil For Limited Slip Differentials FAQs
Are there any specific maintenance requirements or procedures for limited slip differentials that use gear oil?
Yes, there are specific maintenance requirements and procedures for limited slip differentials that use gear oil. Limited slip differentials are designed to provide better traction and improved handling, especially in high-performance vehicles. However, they require a specific type of gear oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications. The gear oil must be changed at regular intervals to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to the differential.
Additionally, limited slip differentials require more frequent maintenance than conventional differentials. This is because they have more moving parts and require more attention to detail. The owner's manual should provide specific maintenance procedures and intervals for the limited slip differential. It is important to follow these procedures to keep the differential operating at peak performance.
Some common maintenance procedures for limited slip differentials include checking the fluid level, changing the gear oil, inspecting the clutch plates and replacing them if necessary, and ensuring that the differential is properly shimmed. Regular maintenance of limited slip differentials is essential to ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
Can using the wrong type of gear oil in a limited slip differential cause damage to the differential?
Yes, using the wrong type of gear oil in a limited slip differential can cause damage to the differential. Limited slip differentials require gear oil with specific additives that help the clutch packs engage and disengage smoothly. Using gear oil without these additives can cause excessive wear and damage to the clutch packs, ultimately leading to failure of the differential. It is important to always use the manufacturer-recommended gear oil for your specific limited slip differential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. It is also important to regularly check and change the gear oil according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule to prevent any potential damage to the differential. In short, using the wrong type of gear oil can be a costly mistake that can lead to significant damage to your limited slip differential.
How often should gear oil be changed in a limited slip differential?
The frequency of changing gear oil in a limited slip differential depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle, the driving conditions, and the manufacturer's recommendation. However, most experts recommend changing the gear oil every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the differential.
Limited slip differentials are subjected to high levels of stress and friction, which can cause the gear oil to break down over time. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the differential, resulting in reduced performance and potential damage. Changing the gear oil at regular intervals helps to maintain a consistent level of protection and lubrication, preventing premature wear and tear.
It is also important to use the correct type of gear oil recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong type of gear oil can result in poor performance, increased wear and tear, and potential damage to the differential. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential to ensure the long-term performance and durability of a limited slip differential.
What are the benefits of using gear oil specifically designed for limited slip differentials?
Using gear oil specifically designed for limited slip differentials offers various benefits. First, this type of oil is formulated with high-quality additives that provide excellent frictional properties. This means that it can effectively minimize wear and tear on the gears and bearings of the differential, extending its lifespan.
Another benefit of using gear oil for limited slip differentials is its ability to provide superior thermal stability. This type of oil can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, ensuring that the differential operates smoothly and efficiently even under extreme conditions.
Moreover, gear oil designed for limited slip differentials contains anti-wear agents that protect the differential against corrosion and rust. This helps prevent the formation of deposits and sludge, thereby promoting optimal performance.
Overall, using gear oil specifically formulated for limited slip differentials is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of this critical component of a vehicle's drivetrain. It provides superior protection against wear and tear, heat, and corrosion, ensuring that the differential operates reliably and efficiently for years to come.
What are the key characteristics to look for when selecting a gear oil for a limited slip differential?
When selecting a gear oil for a limited slip differential, there are several key characteristics to consider. First, it's important to choose an oil that has the appropriate viscosity for your specific vehicle and driving conditions. The viscosity should be sufficient to provide adequate lubrication and protection, yet not so thick that it causes excessive drag or wear on the gears.
Another important consideration is the level of friction modifiers in the oil. Limited slip differentials typically require higher levels of friction modifiers to prevent excessive chatter or slipping of the clutches or plates. Look for an oil that is specifically formulated for limited slip differentials, and that contains the appropriate level of friction modifiers.
Other key characteristics to consider include the oil's thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and compatibility with any seals or materials used in your differential. It's also important to use an oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle.
Overall, selecting the right gear oil for your limited slip differential requires careful consideration of several factors, and it's important to choose a high-quality oil that will provide the best possible protection and performance for your vehicle.