11.8 AAM Diff Issue

[Pythonater]

Wondering if anyone else out there has had any issues with their 2013 - 2018 3500 DRW rear diff fluid showing signs of internal wear? I have a pasty buildup on the plug magne. (pic attached) I do have a lot of mileage on my truck (880,000 kms) however I put 2.1 million on an 05 with an 11.5 rear diff and never had any issues. I checked my axle (wheel) bearings, which are fine, and was prepared to dig into the differential but stopped short wondering if the TruTrac LSD might be causing the problem. The buildup on the magnet is extremely fine metal, NO chunks, particles or pieces of anything else. No diff noises. Don't want to replace bearings if the Truetrac has an issue. My Ram TechAuthority manual doesn't offer anything other than to say the carrier is non-serviceable (replace as a unit).

Chime in if any of you have any thoughts. Appreciate it.

 

[AH64ID]

How many miles on the fluid?

 

[Pythonater]

Fluid gets changed every 100,000 kms (50-60,000 miles).

 

[Pythonater]

Fluid gets changed every 100,000 kms (50-60,000 miles). First noticed at 865,000 change. 880,000 now.

 

[Cummins12V98]

What are you using? If OE that’s WAYYYYY too long!

 

[gsbrockman]

What are you using? If OE that’s WAYYYYY too long!

It made it over a half-million miles.....

 

[Pythonater]

What are you using? If OE that’s WAYYYYY too long!

Ummmm whats too long?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Ummmm whats too long?

Are you using OE? If so 50-60k is too long. At 20k towing 33k combined my rear started grabbing taking off and turning, a bit like 4wd on pavement. I was a long ways from hone and I didn't change til 24k. Did a oil report and the lube was SHOT.

 

[kthaxton]

Are you using OE?

Let me translate........"Are you using the stock gear oil"?

Python, if I remember correctly, the diff fluid maintenance schedule is 25k miles.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 2015 manual states 15k/24km. I had read my manual thinking it said 24k that is why I accidentally went to long on my fluid.
Yes OE or the same MOPAR that came with the truck is NOT a good choice based on MY experience.

 

[AH64ID]

My 2015 manual states 15k/24km.

I wonder why your manual is different. It should be 20K miles, per the 2015 manual online and my 2018 manual too.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I will post a pic later of it. Bottom line mine was acting up at 20k. I will also post lab results.

this mileage thing has been discussed here before. I know others have same intervals listed.

 

[Cummins12V98]

They mention no other interval but they mention taxi off road frequent trailer towing etc. I figured at that time at least 1/2 of the mileage was towing 33k combined.

 

[DeansRedRam]

20k seems fairly soon to be changing differential fluid.

Needless I will be doing a fluid change to Amsoil Severe Gear in the next few weeks and might even give that new banks diff cover a try. I like the way those diff covers look on trucks.

 

[AH64ID]

20k seems fairly soon to be changing differential fluid.

Needless I will be doing a fluid change to Amsoil Severe Gear in the next few weeks and might even give that new banks diff cover a try. I like the way those diff covers look on trucks.

I switched out to Severe Gear 75w-90 at 15K miles and the fluid looked like I should have done it at 10K.

Not sure what interval I’ll use with the SVG. I went 50K on the 05 but it has 2x the capacity with the MH cover.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I think using the SG 20k is safe until warranty is done.
My OE was shot and started grabbing at 20k.

 

[DeansRedRam]

I have 19.5k on the truck now and you guys are making me worried. Looks like I'll be doing it sooner than I thought lol

 

[AH64ID]

I have 19.5k on the truck now and you guys are making me worried. Looks like I'll be doing it sooner than I thought lol

Considering that it’s a 20K mile interval from Ram you shouldn’t be doing it that much sooner than you thought at 19.5K.

As far as Banks they stopped being a company I’d give any money to 30 years ago. There are other options that are better, like the OEM finned cover if you want something else.

 

[DeansRedRam]

You're not a fan of banks? I always thought their products were well engineered and thoroughly thought through.

I just like the look of the diff covers and the ease of future services they offer. I was going to go with a Mag Hytec, but just thought for another $100 I'd try the banks.

 

[AH64ID]

You're not a fan of banks? I always thought their products were well engineered and thoroughly thought through.

I just like the look of the diff covers and the ease of future services they offer. I was going to go with a Mag Hytec, but just thought for another $100 I'd try the banks.

Honestly I don’t know too many fans of Banks anymore. They are more known these days for overpriced and underperforming products. $400 for a diff cover seems like a prime example.

Their tuning is along the same lines.

They got a great name in early diesel performance but don’t seem to have lived up to it lately.