70,000 service

[Kerm]

I have really enjoyed my 04 CTD so far and would like to continue enjoying it for years to come. But, putting 70k miles in one year will wear it out fast if I don't take care of it!I was wondering what services should be done at this point? FandR diffs drained and filled? transmission(i have a 6spd)? Transfer case? Ect?? Do I need to use the original oils and fluids or will any aftermarket fluids do fine? What is best? Is it time to go with the fass coolers for the transmission and a mag-hi-tec for the diffs? How bout the valve lash? Dose that need to be checked? I really appriciate all the help!

 

[Dieselram]

penzoil syncromesh or redline MTL for the transmission, i would probably run synthetic in the diffs sounds like you run alot of miles. do you pull heavy alot? if so i could understand the fastcoolers and the hytech diff cover. . but otherwise not necessary

 

[rbattelle]

Per the service manual valve lash needs no adjustment until 350k miles.



What I am about to say is only my opinion:



I would definetly change the NV5600 fluid. You may choose which type of lube you want to use (there are lots of other good opinions on that subject).



I would definetly change the transfer case fluid. Service manual calls for the transfer case fluid to be changed every 45k. Dodge calls for ATF+4. Again, you may choose a different fluid and you'll find a number of well thought-out opinions on what to use around here.



I would definetly change the F/R axle fluids. Factory spec is to change those every 15k. Many people think 15k is way too early to be changing the fluid. Replacement fluid must be full synthetic. No limited slip additive is required for the rear. You will find many well thought-out opinions on a good fluid to use.



Engine coolant should be okay at 70k miles. Should be good to 100k.



I agree with Dieselram about the fastcoolers and Mag-Hytec stuff. I have fastcoolers (and will eventually get a Mag-Hytec), but that's just because I think they're really and they offer improved maintainability.



That's all just my opinion...



-Ryan

 

[Cattletrkr]

More opinions from that cattle guy

Everything you're thinking abount changing, should have already been done. I wouldn't worry about it too much, unless you're pulling really heavy (20k+).



The fastcoolers are OK, I've got 'em, but don't know if I need them. I kinda wish I had a temp probe before and after the install to know how much they really help. I pull heavy a lot so I figured the extra fluid is a good thing.



Mag-Hytec... looks cool, but if I had to do it over again I'd get a PML cover. Mine's not a show truck, I just wanted a drain plug and a PML would suffice. Also, I think powder coating retains more heat than bare Al. other than cost, I have no complaints about the Mag. I don't have one on the front yet, but that's where a drainplug would be really nice. Sooner or later I'm gonna accidentally bump the torque setting on the impact and twist off one of them lovely little bolts and Oo. :-{}



Oils... I used the Mopar stuff in my NV5600. I don't know nuttin' about the other oils available. I put Amsoil in the T-case. Says it works, and it seems to be OK so far. I put Cenex 75w-90 in the diffs. I've used this in my last truck and in this one, along with Mobile too I think. Any 75w-90 should work fine, as they are ALL synthetic (that's why they're 75w not 80w).



Oh yeah. Don't forget the latex gloves. Seems like these wonderful synthetic oils are harder top get the smell off you hands. Mine usually stink for a couple days. Maybe I should think about using soap... :-laf

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Kerm, definitely do the valve lash, I've seen quite a few trucks off by quite a bit well before 100k (probably because they weren't set perfectly to begin with).



Vaughn

 

[rbattelle]

Kerm, definitely do the valve lash, I've seen quite a few trucks off by quite a bit well before 100k (probably because they weren't set perfectly to begin with).



Vaughn

I forgot about Vaughn's experience with valve lash. If I weren't afraid of screwing it up (and if I had a barring tool) I might have a look at mine...



-Ryan

 

[Kerm]

I sure do appriciate all the help guys! I am planning on doing the work next weekend. If ya'll can think of anything I should service at the same time please let me know.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I forgot about Vaughn's experience with valve lash. If I weren't afraid of screwing it up (and if I had a barring tool) I might have a look at mine...



-Ryan

LOL



I've always done mine without a barring tool. . . I use a ratchet on one of the damper pulley bolts.

 

[Fred Swanson]

Use the Alternator nut. It's right up there so you do it by yourself. Yes, I'd do the valve lash long before that mark.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I've heard it's not good to wind the engine backwards when doing valve lash, but I'm not quite sure why. If you go more than 1 or 2 revolutions backwards you'll lose prime on your oil pump, and it'll be pretty thrashy for several seconds on startup (speaking from experience)



Vaughn

 

[EB]

Definitely change your oil in your front and rear differentials and your transmission. Where Dodge came up with the idea that the transmission oil is permanent is beyond me. Oil, any oil that meets specs is OK. Don't want to start an oil war. I use Amsoil, but that's my choice. I also tow heavy and am now over 195,000 miles, my truck will be two yrs old this Monday. I have had some problems but none of them were the engine or transmission unless you count the main injection pump as an engine problem, I consider it fuel system. I am going to have to replace the ring and pinion gear in the near future. It was whinning a little when it was new, but now it howls like a hound dog. I'm hoping to make it a few more months. It is not making metal so I'm going to keep going as long as I can stand the noise. I haven't done the valve lash check on mine, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to do it. I make my living with this truck and probably am stretching the limits of a one ton truck. It's pretty tough, but the daily pounding I give it is wearing on it. I'll be glad when Dodge comes out with a 4500 and 5500 series, hope mine holds out that long. My maintance list is getting long and I have a list that needs work as I soon as I can find the time and money to fix them. Love the truck, but like I said, I think I am crowding the capibilities of a 1-ton truck.