wrong diff fluid...what to do?

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silky

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long story short, after some repairs I needed new diff fluid. I was in the middle of no where and they had no full synthetic 75w90. The best I could find was synthetic-blend 75w90 so I threw it in. So far so good. I got home with no issues, no noises or anything weird happening.

Now that I am home I have purchased some Royal Purple synthetic 75w90. I plan to drain the diff again tonight and refill with the Royal Purple. I will get as much of the synthetic blend out as I can obviously some will stay. Is it ok to mix the synthetic and the synthetic blend?

btw 2003 Tahoe, Z71 with the G80.
 

Vista Cruiser 69

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Hi Silky,
no issues with mixing these fluids, they won't harm each other. They seem same spec (API GL 5 for an axle) and Viscosity is equal. Even if not it was no issue. Just imagine, the blend you had in was a mixture of synthetic and mineral or hydrocracked already, and this blend does not fall to pieces. Simply means different baseoils min/synth do work together. Now if you flush the axle there won't anyway be remarkably resident product. Of course any oil supplier will give you a nice declaimer saying "never mix it, no guarantee blabla". Some say "you should not". Be sure you put the right API GL 5 in - if you had a limited slip axle you need a special product, but sure you are aware. I'm working for a wellknown lubes company since 20 years, (engineering, development) and won't tell you rubbish.
 

silky

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thanks for the reply. I didn't think it would be an issue but figured I would check. I am quite surprised how well the synthetic-blend is working. Everything is nice, smooth and quiet.

I'll try to get as much of the synthetic-blend out as possible. I'll probably just remove the diff cover, jack the front up and let the fluid drain over night.
 
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