New to forum - 1969 cub 104

[180rxray]

I just joined the forum as a new owner of a 1969 Cub 104. My grandfather purchased it new and passed it to my Father who recently gave it to me. it's all original with 450 hours (many by me - Dad let me drive it since I was around 7 yrs old) and in like new condition, including original IH attachments (42 inch mower, snowblower, plow, IH steel trailer, and snow cab). I also have the original brochures, manuals and bill of sale signed by my grandfather. I'll post some pictures soon.

Question: For the Cub 104 (manual transmission), what rear differential lube would you recommend using (brand, weight, etc). the manual recommends either Hy-Tran or sae 30 weight engine oil. It doesn't specify detergent or non-detergent, and I am not sure whether I can use modern hy-tran or modern 30 weight engine oil since they may have detergents which could possibly damage the differential internal metals or stir up sludge that is best left alone. Any expert opinions on what Oil i can safely use in a cub of this age (1969)? Appreciate your input.

[Diz Jr.]

Hey 180xray
If it were me, I would put hytran in it.
Either way you are going to want to remove the rear cover and clean out any sludge that is in there. Depending on how long its been since its been changed, it could be quite a mess in there. Get a new rear cover gasket before you begin.

[ACecil]

Welcome to OCC! I second what Diz said. Use Hy-Tran you won't regret it.

[Cubcrazy]

[PaulS]

I agree with the above and this is why. What is the most damaging fluid that you can have in the rear end? Water. Motor oil does nothing to combat water but hytran does.

[sawdustdad]

I used Hy-Tran (well, actually Shields Heavy Duty Tractor Hydraulic fluid, meets Hy-Tran specs). I just changed the transaxle oil in my 1973 108. I've checked it many times over the 35 years I've owned it, never had to add oil, but never changed it either. Well, there's a first time for everything, as they say. With a new gasket in hand, I unbolted the rear cover, but needed a putty knife to begin separating the cover from the case. It came off, and after cleaning up all the gasket surfaces, let it drain for an hour or two. There was no sludge in the bottom of the case. The oil was dark brown but looked to actually be in OK condition. Wiped out the case with a rag, and buttoned everything back up, pumped hy-tran into it, let it sit overnight, and went back and added another quart or two (can't really tell how much is going in as I'm using a little hand pump from a 5 gal pail). Good for another 40 years...

[4SPEED]

yep, hy tran good / gear oil bad. water in the rear not cool.

[mrjeep81]

[Methos]

Looking forward to your pics!

[ih 105]

Hi and welcome to the site. What did your grand fathers 104 cost new back in 1969. Hopefully it's listed on the bill of sale.
Your lucky to have that machine stay in the family for so long
I agree with using the hytrans. It's good at absorbing water.