Yep, I'm afraid ally washers came in as popular when alloy engines and gearbox casings being also alloy were the common new fit. Copper being higher up the noble scale can in theory degrade the seat of the alloy components. I still use copper whenever I need to change for new. Annealing alloy washers is a waste of effort as they are just too brittle. You can use them again more times if you grease them to prevent tearing but when knackered they're knackered! I then use a copper replacement item..... far superior as a crush seal!
Well Lodexol was a revolution for ford gearboxes when it first came into being and it's a good oil so don't kick yourself too hard. The modern oils tend to have the same ability to cushion gear contact yet are lighter so reduce drag although the BTR truck gearbox tolerances.... well check the end float on the half shafts!
The LSD additives, well most modern diff oils seem to have it in, but don't be surprised if you have to add a little more after quite a short while. anyway I'm not sure you are really paying extra for additives you don't need if using a non LSD diff, I think the manufacturers find it easier to add it in anyway! And it has no detrimental effect when used in a standard diff.
My son has just changed out of his first car, a 2012 VW polo. It had covered 100.000 miles and needed a new cam chain, which I duly changed, after which I fully serviced the car and then some! I don't believe in gearbox oil for life claims that VW and others state so changed that as well. I had Lodexol gearbox oil on the shelf of the correct grade so in went 1.7lt...... ye god's, the difference it made to that gearbox was remarkable! I had changed it when we got the car at 47.000 mls using a VW product and didn't really notice any difference, I did this time.
