breaking it in?
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 2
From: Dartmouth, Mass
breaking it in? Just ordered my Strange 12 bolt today with upgraded posi. What is the right way to break it in and when should the fluids be replaced...? thanx ahead of time John
Drive it 5 miles then let it cool.(sit for an hour)Then do the same again.After that drive it easy(don't bang gears)for the next 100 or so miles.Change the fluid after 600 miles with 85w-140 non-synthetic and 1 bottle of GM additive.
You'll notice after the 1st ride the rear will be very hot.The biggest thing to make them last is to heat cycle it.
Also you might want to paint it when you get the rear.It is the perfect time to do so or it will rust within 2 weeks.I have extra POR I'll sell ya if interested.
You'll notice after the 1st ride the rear will be very hot.The biggest thing to make them last is to heat cycle it.
Also you might want to paint it when you get the rear.It is the perfect time to do so or it will rust within 2 weeks.I have extra POR I'll sell ya if interested.
11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 169
Likes: 4
From: Millersville, Maryland
It just so happens that my project for this weekend is installing a Strange 12-bolt. So I have been checking into break-in procedures as well. In fact, I am getting ready to paint it in just a few minutes as soon as the temperature rises to 55 degrees or so. I want to let the paint get good and dry before I do the actual installation on Saturday.
Mine came with a sticker on the axel tube that reads:
I also found a third write-up that has yet a another variation on recommended break-in procedures:
http://www.ls1.com/strange12boltbreakin.htm
I will need to decide which method to use by Sunday (assuming I don’t run into any glitches while I am installing it on Saturday).
Mine came with a sticker on the axel tube that reads:
Break-in: No harsh acceleration
Drive 50 mi- Cool down ½ hour
Repeat for total of 250 miles
First lube change at 1,000 miles
Remove cover, clean-out inside
2 Qts. Gear oil (non-synthetic)
1 bottle GM #1052358 additive
Drive 50 mi- Cool down ½ hour
Repeat for total of 250 miles
First lube change at 1,000 miles
Remove cover, clean-out inside
2 Qts. Gear oil (non-synthetic)
1 bottle GM #1052358 additive
http://www.ls1.com/strange12boltbreakin.htm
I will need to decide which method to use by Sunday (assuming I don’t run into any glitches while I am installing it on Saturday).
It's just the first few heat cylcle's I watch out for because the gear really expand.I could feel the heat coming from the wheel well after my first 5 mile drive.I think the pumpkin was 280 degree's.I wouldn't suggest a 50 mile drive for the first couple of runs,but I'm sure people do it.
