15,000 mile service (any heads up?)

[SSZambrano]

am trying to do this myself and at various shops

seems to save me several hundred dollars per 7500 miles

just finished foward and rear differentials

dealer stated 3. 8qts per differrential

rear took 3, forward took 2

dealer wanted to use SAE 75W-140 synthetic @ $16/qt

manual recommends SAE 75W-90 synthetic @ $8/qt

went with Mobil SAE 75W-90 Synth



who makes MOPAR oils anyway?

the dealer gives no discounts for case of 12 quarts

and Autozone does for Castrol products

Mobil makes an excellent filter

who makes MOPAR's ?



are there any "heads-up" for this early mileage service?

this '05 dual rear wheel, limited slip differential, 4x4, manual transmission

is used for bumper towing livestock trailers on and off road

and the occasional trip to big bend national park and the rockies



any and all help is trully appreciated

thanks,

sergio

 

[KKlepfer]

The general consensus here seems to be an initial change at 15,000. Mobil 1 syn 75-90 users have seen no negative effects. Probably a better oil if not the same as Mopar. Mopar oil is supposedly made by Shell. After the initial change owners have gone in excess of 60,000 with no visable wear. This is for the rear differential. I'm coming up on changing mine and will probably use the mobil 1 syn or the amsoil if the price differential is too much.

 

[Buffalo]

I called American Axle & was told that the "factory fill" is a Texaco product. Mopar says that it is produced by Texaco, for them. Called Texaco & they would not confirm that it is a "specially produced product" for Mopar. I'm pretty sure they don't want to jeopardize their relationship with Mopar just to answer my question. Can't really blame them.

I, then, called the local Texaco distributor & was told that the odds of Texaco making a "special gear oil" for Mopar is highly unlikely & that it's probably just a relabeled, off the shelf gear oil.



When I purchased Mopar's gear oil, they wanted $21. 00/qt. I was finally able to buy it for $15. 40/qt.

On my last change, I bought RedLine 75-90 for $7. 00/qt. Less than half the price for what is, probably, a much better quality product.



In my '03 owners manual, it does not say anything about having to use Mopar's gear oil, ONLY. For some of the other components in the truck, the owners manual DOES recommend the use of Mopar products & gives a Mopar part number. The way I read it, the owners manual does not say that you have to use ONLY Mopar gear oil.



Mopar filters are made by Fleetguard.



I believe I've heard that the factory fill of motor oil is Valvoline.



Do you know that the axle gaskets are reusable?



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[05mxdiesel]

Diff cover gaskets are reusable. I just loosened all bolts and watched the nasty oil drain out, then I took the covers off to wipe and clean and inspect everything. No more using rtv silicone with these trucks. I used Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 and will probably extend this oil to probably 50,000 miles. Amsoil rates this product to 100,000 miles on light duty applications.

 

[JasonBrown]

I am sure there is probably initial wear that the factory expects. At 15K you change your fluid, and get out that floating metal. The wear will probably drop off significantly after break in and the fluid should last several thousand more miles.

 

[Grayhackle]

The service manager at my dodge dealership told me that Mopar oils are made by Mobil 1. I wouldn't want to make any huge bets on this though.

Valvoline is the preferred oil by Cummins.

 

[TowPro]

I know they use Delvec 1 in the sprinter, that's where he probably got the mobil 1 idea.

 

[FInterrante]

My dealer uses texaco. I had the 15000 done to the tune of $595. I dont like to waste money,but the truck was in for warrenty work and I kept procrastinating doing it myself. When I have time I do oil changes. Rotating tires and some of the other stuff,well time and its cold outside.