Need lockout lube info- general - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nu2-72 · 01-29-2005, 04:03 PM

I am working over the new lockouts today and reading the factory service manual.
We all know this is 30+ year old information.
What are you using for lube on the lockouts, chassis, all greasable points on these old trucks?
There have to be much better choices these days. I would guess that some are advertised as the all around lube. But, there is probably a best for each use.
What do you use for the diffs., transfer case, tranny and joints? 2wd or 4wd. Synthetic greases, lithium or what.

Gator70 · 01-29-2005, 10:09 PM

This is what I use:
If chassis parts are in "very good shape" I use synthetic chassis grease. If the boots are cracked then its a waste. Regular chassis grease is better.

For u-joints regular chassis grease.

For diffs. synthetic 75w90 - a friction modifier is not needed with this syn oil.

For the hubs I use a white lithium grease.

Wheel bearings I have used synthetic grease but havent seen long term results yet.

Auto tranny regular Dexron
Transfer case- depends on recomm fluid. If gear oil then syn 75w90, if atf then I am thinking of trying GM's new AUTOTRACII, have to do a little more research before I change out to that.

Motors-always synthetic, with no other "snake oil" additives.

nu2-72 · 01-29-2005, 10:15 PM

Follow up question.
By hubs I assume you are talking about the lockout hubs. Why synthetic for the wheel bearings and white lithium for the hubs, not syn. for both?

4x4Poet · 01-30-2005, 07:01 AM

The disc brake hub wheel bearings require disc brake high-temp rated grease, whether conventional or synthetic, but the lockout hubs don't. In fact, disc brake high-temp grease goes goey easier than non high-temp wheel bearing or chassis grease. The lockouts need a grease that will stay in place and not ooze into the wheel hub, so I use a grease with good thickeners. You want a grease with good thickeners for the u-joints and steering joints (TRES, etc.) since it also must stay in place to work well. I splurge on Amsoil for most everything. IIRC, Amsoil offers three different greases that meet my trucks various needs.

nu2-72 · 01-30-2005, 11:05 AM

Thanks.
Knowing the lockouts would only get occasional use, winter cold mostly, I wanted something that will hold up to extreme cold and remain pliable. But also survive the summer heats. I don't mud so deep water or mud is not an issue.

01-29-2005, 04:03 PM	#1
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Need lockout lube info- general I am working over the new lockouts today and reading the factory service manual. We all know this is 30+ year old information. What are you using for lube on the lockouts, chassis, all greasable points on these old trucks? There have to be much better choices these days. I would guess that some are advertised as the all around lube. But, there is probably a best for each use. What do you use for the diffs., transfer case, tranny and joints? 2wd or 4wd. Synthetic greases, lithium or what. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

01-29-2005, 10:09 PM	#2
Gator70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Turner Valley, Alberta Posts: 91	This is what I use: If chassis parts are in "very good shape" I use synthetic chassis grease. If the boots are cracked then its a waste. Regular chassis grease is better. For u-joints regular chassis grease. For diffs. synthetic 75w90 - a friction modifier is not needed with this syn oil. For the hubs I use a white lithium grease. Wheel bearings I have used synthetic grease but havent seen long term results yet. Auto tranny regular Dexron Transfer case- depends on recomm fluid. If gear oil then syn 75w90, if atf then I am thinking of trying GM's new AUTOTRACII, have to do a little more research before I change out to that. Motors-always synthetic, with no other "snake oil" additives. __________________ 1970 GMC K15 - Canadian built 2nd Owner truck 68k miles 2014 Denali 1500 6.2L

01-29-2005, 10:15 PM	#3
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Follow up question. By hubs I assume you are talking about the lockout hubs. Why synthetic for the wheel bearings and white lithium for the hubs, not syn. for both? __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

01-30-2005, 07:01 AM	#4
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	The disc brake hub wheel bearings require disc brake high-temp rated grease, whether conventional or synthetic, but the lockout hubs don't. In fact, disc brake high-temp grease goes goey easier than non high-temp wheel bearing or chassis grease. The lockouts need a grease that will stay in place and not ooze into the wheel hub, so I use a grease with good thickeners. You want a grease with good thickeners for the u-joints and steering joints (TRES, etc.) since it also must stay in place to work well. I splurge on Amsoil for most everything. IIRC, Amsoil offers three different greases that meet my trucks various needs. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

01-30-2005, 11:05 AM	#5
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Thanks. Knowing the lockouts would only get occasional use, winter cold mostly, I wanted something that will hold up to extreme cold and remain pliable. But also survive the summer heats. I don't mud so deep water or mud is not an issue. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide



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