Synthetic lube, differentials, transmissions and transfer case

[michigandiesel]

I have a 2002 Sportage with the manual transmission. It has just under 60,000 miles. It seems like a good idea to change all the gear lube and I need your help with this question. Is it OK to use synthetic lube in the front and rear differentials, transfer case and manual transmission.

A second question, what mileage do you get with your sportages? I have had it less than 1000 miles and I have a new airfilter and plugs to put in, but as it it gets 21 to 23 MPG. Can I hope for better?

Third question, have you had any luck with increasing the horse power with less than radical solutions? It seems a little pookey for using all that gas. Thanks, Paul

[cmhj2000]

Originally Posted by michigandiesel

I have a 2002 Sportage with the manual transmission. It has just under 60,000 miles. It seems like a good idea to change all the gear lube and I need your help with this question. Is it OK to use synthetic lube in the front and rear differentials, transfer case and manual transmission.

Yes, in fact I've converted many vehicles, auto & manual, to syn with many more miles than you currently have with no issues.

Independent Amsoil Dealers For Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants and Filters, Lansdale Pennsylvania

If you want specific suggestions just PM me to insure a response.

[mgbgt1972]

I use Synthetic in the engine only! I do alot of off-roading and change the diff and axle oils a few times a year, or whenever I get to deep in the water! just not ecomomical!

As for power increases, Ditching the stock filter for a K&N, or dropping in a CAI is a good start, the biggest gains can be sean thru a better exhaust, a powerchip and ditching the stock engine fan for an electric, looking at a 5hp gain for each, except for the chip where you could see a 25hp gain.

[michigandiesel]

I spent 14 hours in my garage on Saturday and runing to get parts and tools. I put in premium plugs, the purple air filter and new plug wires. I also drained and replaced all the lube in two differentials, transmission and transfer case.

I found a few concerns. The front differential lube was very silver, so it was full of metal filings. What would cause that? I assume bad spider gears. Has anyone ever had this condition and not seen trouble shortly down the road?

The transfer case was a tough one to open. I had to make up a six sided bar and turn it with a 5/8" socket and a 3 ' breaker bar. I opened the fluid level check and has lube come out of that hole. How did a previous owner get it fuller thant the fill port?

On that electric fan, exhaust upgrade and power chip ideas, do you have part suggestions and sources?

Thanks for all the help. Paul