Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 11:31am | IP Logged

Like me, and I'm sure others as well saw the advertised towing capacities of the Titan. I thought 9200-9500lb was alittle much for a 1/2 ton truck, but if they say it will then it should without break down or the customer having to add additives to compensate.  I understand the concept of a bad apple every now and then. I just hope Nissan didn't jump the gun trying to get edge on the competition by blindly overstating the towing capacity of this truck, then making alot of sales, and leave the customer out in the cold.

just my $.02

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 11:59am | IP Logged

My front and rear diffs were low on day one. The rear was about 1 pint low the front about 1/2 pint. I topped both off with M1 75W-90 and then changed the rear at about 800 miles w M1 75W90. The drain magnet had a fair amount of grey "mung" and some small metal slivers and a few some small flakes. The fluid was dark and nasty.

At 3800 miles I changed again using 75W140. This time the magnet had no flakes or slivers and only a small amount of mung stuck to it. The M1 75w90 I drained was in good shape.

My rear cover had some rust spots coming through from day one. So I don't think just having rust on the cover indicates anything is wrong.

So in my case the, initial run-in wear has tapered off and the diff seems normal. I'll go another 5000 miles and change again- maybe I'll be able to get my hands on one of those billit covers by then.

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 12:02pm | IP Logged

You would think if they're advertising the hell of it, as they are, they'd be factual. Anything 9,000 or over is A HELL OF A LOT. I'd be interested in knowing what in the hell these guys with blown rear ends were pulling (if anything, less trolls).

With all the crapola read regarding the Dodge Durango's tranny problems, I routinely towed anywhere from 3,000-7.800 on it, with no problems, well over 100,000 miles.

I think there's a lot of internet legend out there.

PS - you'll note our friend Silverado never returned with a (ahem) update. (laugh... )

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 12:06pm | IP Logged

Did you put a bottle of anti-slip in that rear? Or is it not/is it recommended?

Also, when you cracked that cover open, there was a magnet in there? Cool. I thought those were only reserved for the transmission pan. Smart idea.

Finally, what did you re-seal the gasket with, and one more... was that cover a beatch to get get off... i.e. anything in the way when removing it.. ? Thanks man - Jim

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 1:26pm | IP Logged

I dont doubt there are some out there with rear end problems...esp. when some posted they were easily burning rubber and "power braking". then in separate posts complained about rear end problems....doesnt surprise me in the least

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 1:34pm | IP Logged

Oh, I didn't catch the power braking posts.

Ya think that might be hurting something back there?????

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 2:29pm | IP Logged

NO -no anti-slip additive is needed. The Titan rear end (std or Elocker) does NOT use clutch packs like some posi / limited slip diffs do. The ABLS system on the Titan uses the brakes to do the posi/limited slip function. 

The bottom drain plug has a magnet embedded into it. No, I never removed the cover just the top and bottom plugs. Sealing the fill/drain plugs is no biggie, Permatex #1,2 , teflon tape, pipe dope,spit,boogers,whatever. There's no/little pressure in there,(the diff is vented),gear oil is pretty thick and those plugs have a taper thread. Always remover the top plug first ! Why ? The one in a million chance you cant remove the top plug,if you drain it,,, then can't fill it .

Even if you use nothing on the threads it's almost impossible to get a "drip" leak. At most a stain after a few thousand miles.

The covers can/will be a little tough to remove.It's easier to remove the cover with the spare dropped and out of the way. I want to make it clear that if you are just changing the fluid there is NO need to remove the cover.

Use a THIN putty kife and just tap it in all around the cover. Don't use a screwdriver (or like) because you can distort the cover. Permatex makes  - I think - a foam type gasket maker in a aresol can. This stuff works reall well and I believe thats what is currently used to seal our covers. 

I've used silicone (red & ultra black) on covers before. It seals well but like with any gasket goop it needs to cure BEFORE you expose it to oil/lube etc. So this is a overnight job.

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 2:47pm | IP Logged

That's exactly how I seal the cover too bud. I didn't know there was a bottom drain plug - I knew there was one on the front diff. I also did some checking on that magnetic 10 mm nut and saw a picture of it w/the magnet. Interesting...

Thanks for the comeback. This should be an easy preventive maintenance job. - Jim

Posted: Jan 26 2005 at 3:10pm | IP Logged

"ahem" Hi there JimB, your little friend is sitting right here. I haven't commented because he is still out of town and i can't ask him whats goin on. He'll be back on saturday i believe. He was towing a camper trailer, i think he said the thing wieghs like 5000 lbs or somewhere close to that. I dunno what ur deal is, u seem to think i am bashing ur truck or somthing. Obviously im not making this up there are a few that have also had the problem.

Nate