2011 t-case and diff fluid change suggested by dealer

[CGordon]

Took my 2011 3500 in to the dealer for an oil change at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).



At this mileage the following is listed in the manual:



❏ Replace fuel filter element.

❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).

❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.

❏ Inspect the wheel bearings.

❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;

replace if necessary.

❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.

❏ Check the transfer case fluid (4x4).



The service dude called after I left and said that the tech had checked the fluids and that the rear diff and t-case needed changing. I didn't think too much about it and said go ahead and do the front diff too. . Almost $500 later, I got to thinking... Checked the maintenance schedules and found that Chrysler does not recommend changing diff fluids except under rougher service and t-case only at 60,000 miles. I think I got sold work that did not need to be done.....



Comments? Opinions?

 

[RVTRKN]

I don't have my owners manual in front of me but the diffs for American Axle is 15K interval, is it not?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Ouch, you could have Bought a Mag Hytec cover and changed both items to AMZ/OIL for that money!

 

[BDaugherty]

obviously you could have saved a buck doing it yourself, but I always recommend changing axle fluids at a low mileage to remove break in oil and then at regular intervals. i wouldn't feel bad at all having new oil in the diffs and tcase.

 

[LHarper]

Think you are wise to change the fluids at 30,000 mile intervals. Fluids are much cheaper then metal. When I have mine done, I request they remove the cover to clean out unit. Do not want the suck and fill method.

 

[Bob4x4]

Ouch, you could have Bought a Mag Hytec cover and changed both items to AMZ/OIL for that money!

Tell you what,I will send you 500$ for front and rear covers and the fluid to fill them

 

[Cummins12V98]

Tell you what,I will send you 500$ for front and rear covers and the fluid to fill them

Op did not mention front diff!

I stand by my comment!

 

[Bob4x4]

Op did not mention front diff!

I stand by my comment!

The service dude called after I left and said that the tech had checked the fluids and that the rear diff and t-case needed changing. I didn't think too much about it and said go ahead and do the front diff too. . Almost $500 later, I got to thinking... Checked the maintenance schedules and found that Chrysler does not recommend changing diff fluids except under rougher service and t-case only at 60,000 miles. I think I got sold work that did not need to be done.....
"go ahead and do the front diff too"

Where do I send the check?

 

[HBarlow]

Don't normally see rwd trucks with "t-case" either - at least the three I've owned didn't have one.

As strange as it sounds I think I remember early Gen IIIs with AAM axles called for 15k or 25k differential fluid change intervals. I ignored that what I considered excessive requirement on my '06 and on my '08 as well and have changed them at 50k but both had/have a Mag Hytec cover.

 

[Bob4x4]

Iirc they have made a change in the charts for maint. On the transfercase fluid I see a lot of variance in fluid quality at the same miles on different trucks-it still boils down to how hard it is worked.
I would much rather change fluid than hard parts.
My old 94 is a good example still never had the head off after running very high boost at times,the 5 speed always got regular service and never lost 5th gear. Was doing great till I broke 3rd gear-but all the bearings were still like new

 

[KYOUNG]

I changed my 94 front axle at 200k. The oil i drained out of it was perfect! Hated to throw it away!

 

[CGordon]

The saga continues.
The General Manager says that if I don't chnage fluids when they, the dealership, say so, my warranty will be negatively affected. Also, checked and they did not lube the front drive shaft which I specifically asked them to do. The Service Manager has offerred a free oil change but I'm still pursuing a better explanation of the fluid change issues.

 

[AH64ID]

Part of the 30K service is to check the front/rear/tcase fluids. The dealership checked them and recommenced replacement, I guess I don't see what the issue is. Having seen OEM fluid at 15K miles on the same axles and xcase I am not surprised at all about the recommendation.



You overpaid, but the service was probably warranted.

Op did not mention front diff!



I stand by my comment!

Better check that again... .

As strange as it sounds I think I remember early Gen IIIs with AAM axles called for 15k or 25k differential fluid change intervals. I ignored that what I considered excessive requirement on my '06 and on my '08 as well and have changed them at 50k but both had/have a Mag Hytec cover.

Never with Schedule A



15K with Schedule B



With OEM fluid capacities it's not an excessive interval considering the requirements for Schedule B and the amount of torque/heat in the axle.



I also run the MH covers and run 50K intervals on my Amsoil SVG 75w-90.

 

[crispyboy]

My dealer recommended 30k intervals on the differentials since I am only working the truck hard on occasion. I used factory fluid on the 1st change but I will probably go with Valvoline Synpower from this point since I can find it on sale. The truck will be due by years end.

 

[EGroeneveld]

I have been doing the 15k intervals since I tow and haul a heavy truck camper almost weekly... the $$$$$ sucks but for a 50K truck what do you do? my next truck purchase I will certainly be asking what are the required maintenance costs for the first 200K miles are on the towing/hauling schedule.

 

[AH64ID]

I have been doing the 15k intervals since I tow and haul a heavy truck camper almost weekly... the $$$$$ sucks but for a 50K truck what do you do? my next truck purchase I will certainly be asking what are the required maintenance costs for the first 200K miles are on the towing/hauling schedule.

You could save some down time and $$ by going to a MH rear cover and a good fluid like the Amsoil SVG 75w-90. The SVG is rated for 50K miles for severe duty and 100K for normal, and with 8qts of it there is no reason you can't go 50K each change.

 

[Bob4x4]

As long as you follow the guide lines in your manual you will be good. How ever be honest about your use for the a or b schedule

 

[Cummins12V98]

The saga continues.

The General Manager says that if I don't chnage fluids when they, the dealership, say so, my warranty will be negatively affected. Also, checked and they did not lube the front drive shaft which I specifically asked them to do. The Service Manager has offerred a free oil change but I'm still pursuing a better explanation of the fluid change issues.

Do you know for a FACT you have a grease fitting on the front U joint?



The reason I as is because my late 11 does not have one for a FACT.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Part of the 30K service is to check the front/rear/tcase fluids. The dealership checked them and recommenced replacement, I guess I don't see what the issue is. Having seen OEM fluid at 15K miles on the same axles and xcase I am not surprised at all about the recommendation.



You overpaid, but the service was probably warranted.









Better check that again... .











Never with Schedule A



15K with Schedule B



With OEM fluid capacities it's not an excessive interval considering the requirements for Schedule B and the amount of torque/heat in the axle.



I also run the MH covers and run 50K intervals on my Amsoil SVG 75w-90.

I was wrong!!!!!! The Dealer said Rear but the op added the front.

 

[Bob4x4]

I was wrong!!!!!! The Dealer said Rear but the op added the front.

Lol address
I can always use some more covers and fluids