Okay, I have my '99 XK8 rear axle assembly out to repair damaged fuel lines. While it is out, I would like to check the differential lube. The manual calls for Shell Spirax Thermally Stable Super TS90 gear lubricant. I called the local Shell distributor. Shell no long makes the product, and there is no replacement. What is the correct lubricant to use in my differential?
(I've done a number of searches here on the forums, and found one that mentions TC lubricant, but I believe they are referring to manual transmission oil. At least, that is the impression I got since they never explicitly state what it is they are even talking about. TC = to me means
Transfer Case, as on a four wheel drive. But someone else mentioned "awd" which I took to mean "All Wheel Drive", but does Jaguar make an All Wheel Drive car?) The phrasing and acronyms are somewhat confusing.
Second item: Where is the differential data tag supposed to be located? I cannot find one anywhere on my rear axle, and supposedly you need this tag to order parts and know what differential you have installed. I may be looking in the wrong places. Thanks for whatever help anyone can give!

 

TS90 is a special long life lubricant, and I think you can get this only per barrel.

Castrol SAF-XO could be an alternative (am using this myself), this one is amongst others approved for Open diffs in BMW.

 

Yes, Jaguar makes an AWD - X-Type and the nomenclature that you picked up probably was in reference to the transfer case in the X, which is a "problem child". Probably reference to the Sta-Lub Syn-Go 75W140 used in the TC and differential. This is the same diff spec on newer Jaguar differentials across the Models.

 

Thanks a lot! I picked up 2 quarts of lube this morning, will drain and flush the differential, let it sit for a couple days to dry out, and then will service it with the lube and put it back in the car. The rear axle was pretty easy to pull. It will only take half the time to go back together, now that I have an idea what I'm doing. So by next week I should have a purring kitty again!