Castrol Super RX vs VMX-80 in LT95. Real world report.

[spudboy]

Got my FFR a few weeks ago, and have gone through and changed all the oils.

Got a 20L drum of Castrol Super RX and a 4L pack of VMX-80. Thought I'd try the VMX-80 in the gearbox as a number of people here recommended it, and it had a paragraph in the 'blurb' about quieting down gearbox rattle. Thought it might help with the very firm gear changes too.

The old (army) oil drained out of the gearbox was quite thick, and had a layer on the bottom just like candied honey. The whole bottom half of the little strainer was clogged with this candied honey like stuff.

I put in the VMX-80 to start with. Results:
- much easier gear changes
- way more (and I mean WAY more) gearbox rattle.
- the slight gearbox/transfer case oil leak I had became a bigger leak

VMX-80 is quite a bit 'thinner' and more watery than engine oil.

So, today I have drained the VMX-80 and put in Super RX. Results:
- marked reduction in gearbox rattle. Maybe 50%-60% better. A lot anyway.
- Gearchanges better than the old army formulation, but not as light as the VMX-80

I've replaced the big transfer case gasket to see if that was the cause of the leak, and so far it looks better. Still think there is a tiny weep from somewhere else in the gearbox though....

There you go - some real world feedback on the 2 options. I'd say - just stick with Super RX and save yourself $45!

Cheers
David

[303gunner]

As there is NO Castrol product called FMX-80, can you clarify if you have used VMX80 Gear Oil, or FMX Engine Oil?

[spudboy]

Gunner - You are right! I had brain fade. It was VMX-80...

Sorry about that but thanks for letting me know!!