04.5 Diff fluid question...

[TShores]

Hey all,



I have a 2500 with a 4/04 build date, and just returned from the ******* for a fluid change on the diffs and transfer (15k miles). They originally told me big bucks for synthetic, and then while I was there said that my truck wasn't spec'd for synthetic.



So what changed between 04. 5 and 05 to indicate that 04's should have dino and 05's to have synthetic?



Any info?



Thanks!



Tom

 

[Bertram65]

Hey all,



I have a 2500 with a 4/04 build date, and just returned from the ******* for a fluid change on the diffs and transfer (15k miles). They originally told me big bucks for synthetic, and then while I was there said that my truck wasn't spec'd for synthetic.



So what changed between 04. 5 and 05 to indicate that 04's should have dino and 05's to have synthetic?



Any info?



Thanks!



Tom

Diff oil is specified synthetic on all 3rd gens, if you got something else they did it wrong.

 

[gsbrockman]

Diff oil is specified synthetic on all 3rd gens, if you got something else they did it wrong.

..... just one more reason to do it yourself and remove any doubt if it's done correctly.

Greg

 

[Rosco]

I just can't belive how stupid some of these dealers are. The 3rd gen has been out since Aug/Sept of 2002 and they are still clueless.



Tshores, our diff's require 75w90 SYNTHETIC oil. You can either do it yourself fairly cheap, or get bent over by the dealer, your choice. For now though, it sounds like you got the wrong oil in there.

 

[TShores]

Thanks guys,



I was 90% sure while in the *******, but the 10% let me walk out the door. Re: doing it myself. I hear you... but rain (no shop, no garage), dirt drive and parking area (lying in the mud), and lack of time send me to one-stop shop dealer (needed mud flaps too).



Anyway, thanks.



T

 

[CPG]

Our 04. 5 CTD's do take synthetic gear oil for the differentials. There are Dealers & then Dealer's. Its just amazing how the service writer's are not up to knowledge.

I was quoted well over $100 for a differential oil change. The service writer also stated a new differential cover gasket was needed. This is not true. The gasket is reusable and is torgued to 30 ft. lbs.

The correct amount added to the AA on these trucks are 7. 62 PTS. just under one gal. There is a scribe mark on the diff. cover for correct level for not overfilling.

I use Mobil 1 75W 90 synthetic in mine. This brand or any other coming under the SAE GL-5 specs. can be found at any good NAPA outlet or good automotive store. Use your owners manual.



Chuck G

 

[BHanks]

Just changed mine last week at 16000 miles and it was greyish black in color but 90% of the miles was towing 14k lbs of 5th wheel. I reused the gasket and no leaks so far. Went to our local Napa store and they only had Redline 75-90w synthetic GL-5 so thats what I used ($10) a qt. 4qts. .

 

[TShores]

I just noticed my non-curse "dealer" turned into "*****" hmm.



Anyway, this grows more interesting. The dealer is claiming that the tags on the axles indicate what fluid to use, and they do not indicate GL-5 Synthetic. I told him that fine, but would like a letter stating that they used the proper non-synthetic fluid. He said he couldn't due that because nowhere in writing was there anything about using non-synthetic fluids.



I said "exactly", the owner's manual and every other resource I can find says GL-5 Synthetic... you'd think they had never done this before. Oh, to top it off, they (the dealer I bought from) gave me an 05 owner's manual. They're not sure if they can correct this mistake. Or if it is a mistake. Or what fluid to use, or what to do about it. Amazing. They are calling their local Daimler Rep.



Me, I'll run like hell as soon as I get this resolved.

 

[CajunDieselMan]

Does the 6 ounces overfill make any difference when filling the 11. 5 4. 10 rear end? Thinking of just putting in the whole four quarts...

 

[CPG]

CajunDieselMan,



Probably not, but when I checked My AA on receiving my new truck, it was about like the makers suggested. Below the filler.

 

[CTD 600]

Synthetic is the way to go. IF you decide to have a aftermarket rear cover put on the truck, like a mag-hytec, expect to fill up to 9 quarts of fluid. I use Redline 75-90 without the limited slip additive.

 

[Bertram65]

Synthetic is the way to go. IF you decide to have a aftermarket rear cover put on the truck, like a mag-hytec, expect to fill up to 9 quarts of fluid. I use Redline 75-90 without the limited slip additive.

If you fill the Mag based on the dipstick you will be about 2 quarts over the fill hole on the stock cover. Not sure if it will cause any problem, but the dipstick is not setup to give the same level as the factory fill hole.

 

[gsbrockman]

The dealer is claiming that the tags on the axles indicate what fluid to use, and they do not indicate GL-5 Synthetic. They're not sure if they can correct this mistake. Or if it is a mistake. Or what fluid to use, or what to do about it. Amazing. They are calling their local Daimler Rep.



Me, I'll run like hell as soon as I get this resolved.

Is there a part number & quantity of fluid used on your invoice ?

As far as the dealer calling their rep, that should only reinforce their complete stupidity and ignorance as a Dodge Service Department.

Best of luck to you getting it resolved. Guard that receipt for dear life, just in case something unfortunate happens due to incorrect fluid use. Better yet, go get yourself some 75W90 GL5 Full Synthetic of your choice and do it yourself... . it's not that hard, trust me.

Greg

 

[CajunDieselMan]

THanks CPG!

 

[TShores]

Another warning sign, is that the receipt shows no detail at all, nothing. We'll see if they refund my money today.



I know DIY is not challenging. I've done it, many times. I just don't want to.