Dana 44's with 456 gears do run hot!

[OldVetteGuy]

Was out today running errands on the open road, after returning from a 75 mile round trip I thought I would break out the FLIR gun and check diff temps.

I was surprised to see how hot they really ran, the Rear was at 180 degrees but the front was only at 105. I can understand this considering I have a FAD disconnect on the front axle as well as a tazer set to RWD only so no ring and pinion movement. But the rear is a different story, with 456 gears there is a lot of movement thus generating heat.

In the past most of the Wrangler 44 failures were mostly contributed to heat, metal in the locker actuator, or seals and lubrication issues.

I used to have a Duramax that I pulled a 5th wheel with, the rear AAM would really run hot until I installed a Bank Differential cover. This made about a 35% change in max temperature plus the diff cooled off so much faster and I could see the difference in the lube changes, the fluid stayed less black. Let's face it anything we can do to keep oil temp down is a good thing.

Now I know in the Jeep world strong is usually better and the reason why most spring for heavy duty armored Cast covers but this only makes the problem worse. While they are far superior to prevent damage and prevent failure on the trail they absolutely suck when it comes to keeping fluid cool. In fact they are far worse then the factory cover.

For me if Banks made a finned cover for the rear D44 I would buy it but unfortunately they do not. However this seems to be a possibility. I wonder if anyone here is using one? No doubt it won't take a hit like a cast iron unit but for the dirt lover (like myself) and road warriors they are just what is needed. Comments?

 

[Drachenfels]

Question you have probably answered yourself - have you checked diff fluid levels? Is it possible the rear is low on dino juice?

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Question you have probably answered yourself - have you checked diff fluid levels? Is it possible the rear is low on dino juice?

Nope, not that simple, when my 392 came home it had been gone over with a fine tooth comb considering Jeep's reputation for not filling vehicle components to their recommended level. Both diff's are at their correct level, in fact I checked them again this evening just to make sure.

Anyhow, I will have some pointed questions for SPELAB on their replacement diff cover on Monday. I also would like to find out if any of this forums supporters offer the product.

I must say I do like the visual inspection port and easy and quick way to make sure things are good, though I am more concerned in its ability to keep things cool! Magnetic plugs and a drain port at the bottom with a fill plug at the top are just great considering I change fluid often and hate removing the rear cover to do so.

 

[3TV]

I put a set of Dana Advantek covers on my 2-door JLR that has 4.88 gears. I wonder if the cooling fins do anything.

 

[OldVetteGuy]

I put a set of Dana Advantek covers on my 2-door JLR that has 4.88 gears. I wonder if the cooling fins do anything.

View attachment 52719


View attachment 52718

Looks heavy duty, is it cast iron or aluminum also does it allow more fluid then stock?

 

[3TV]

Looks heavy duty, is it cast iron or aluminum also does it allow more fluid then stock?

It does allow for more fluid because the fill hole is raised. It is made from nodular iron.

 

[EBYCREEK]

ECGS Gear Oil Recommendation (85w140 Lucas oil)

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/files/PDF%20Files/ecgs-gear-oil-recommendation1.pdf

 

[Earl 392]

Was out today running errands on the open road, after returning from a 75 mile round trip I thought I would break out the FLIR gun and check diff temps.

I was surprised to see how hot they really ran, the Rear was at 180 degrees but the front was only at 105. I can understand this considering I have a FAD disconnect on the front axle as well as a tazer set to RWD only so no ring and pinion movement. But the rear is a different story, with 456 gears there is a lot of movement thus generating heat.

In the past most of the Wrangler 44 failures were mostly contributed to heat, metal in the locker actuator, or seals and lubrication issues.

I used to have a Duramax that I pulled a 5th wheel with, the rear AAM would really run hot until I installed a Bank Differential cover. This made about a 35% change in max temperature plus the diff cooled off so much faster and I could see the difference in the lube changes, the fluid stayed less black. Let's face it anything we can do to keep oil temp down is a good thing.

Now I know in the Jeep world strong is usually better and the reason why most spring for heavy duty armored Cast covers but this only makes the problem worse. While they are far superior to prevent damage and prevent failure on the trail they absolutely suck when it comes to keeping fluid cool. In fact they are far worse then the factory cover.

For me if Banks made a finned cover for the rear D44 I would buy it but unfortunately they do not. However this seems to be a possibility. I wonder if anyone here is using one? No doubt it won't take a hit like a cast iron unit but for the dirt lover (like myself) and road warriors they are just what is needed. Comments?

View attachment 52715

There is a video out there about differential covers and oil flow in the differential . You really need that curved cover to allow differential oil to be slung up on top . The flat cover stops the flow . In the video they put a clear cover on the differential showing the difference . It’s posted here somewhere . Heat is the burial ground for energy . There’s a lot of energy in those differentials. Even in the front your short axel is still spinning.

 

[EBYCREEK]

There is a video out there about differential covers and oil flow in the differential . You really need that curved cover to allow differential oil to be slung up on top . The flat cover stops the flow . In the video they put a clear cover on the differential showing the difference . It’s posted here somewhere . Heat is the burial ground for energy . There’s a lot of energy in those differentials. Even in the front your short axel is still spinning.

 

[Earl 392]

There you go . Banks put out several videos . Flat is bad curved is the best and over filling is not the answer

 

[RubiconHemi]

Was out today running errands on the open road, after returning from a 75 mile round trip I thought I would break out the FLIR gun and check diff temps.

I was surprised to see how hot they really ran, the Rear was at 180 degrees but the front was only at 105. I can understand this considering I have a FAD disconnect on the front axle as well as a tazer set to RWD only so no ring and pinion movement. But the rear is a different story, with 456 gears there is a lot of movement thus generating heat.

In the past most of the Wrangler 44 failures were mostly contributed to heat, metal in the locker actuator, or seals and lubrication issues.

I used to have a Duramax that I pulled a 5th wheel with, the rear AAM would really run hot until I installed a Bank Differential cover. This made about a 35% change in max temperature plus the diff cooled off so much faster and I could see the difference in the lube changes, the fluid stayed less black. Let's face it anything we can do to keep oil temp down is a good thing.

Now I know in the Jeep world strong is usually better and the reason why most spring for heavy duty armored Cast covers but this only makes the problem worse. While they are far superior to prevent damage and prevent failure on the trail they absolutely suck when it comes to keeping fluid cool. In fact they are far worse then the factory cover.

For me if Banks made a finned cover for the rear D44 I would buy it but unfortunately they do not. However this seems to be a possibility. I wonder if anyone here is using one? No doubt it won't take a hit like a cast iron unit but for the dirt lover (like myself) and road warriors they are just what is needed. Comments?

View attachment 52715

Afepower.com has diff covers.