AAM Axle Fluid Change Question

[SCurley]

It's time for front/rear axle fluid changes in the new AAM's. Looking at Diff-covers, seems there's a gasket between housing and cover--True or False? If true, is it reusable, or can I simply trashcan it and use RTV, or do I need to get new gaskets?



Any help from people who've dealt with AAM's would be most appreciative.



v/r SCurley



________________________________

2005 RAM 3500, CTD, SRW, 48RE, 3. 73's

 

[Rosco]

The gasket is reusable which makes the job easier. Also, make sure you follow the fluid level recommendations in your owners manual because overfilling can cause problems.

 

[JCleary]

It's time for front/rear axle fluid changes in the new AAM's. Looking at Diff-covers, seems there's a gasket between housing and cover--True or False? If true, is it reusable, or can I simply trashcan it and use RTV, or do I need to get new gaskets?



Any help from people who've dealt with AAM's would be most appreciative.



v/r SCurley



________________________________

2005 RAM 3500, CTD, SRW, 48RE, 3. 73's

It's expensive, but I'd suggest changing over to PML diff covers front and rear. I just installed them on my truck. Next time I do a service it will be 10 minutes instead of 1 hour. The PML covers are slightly better than the Mag-Hytec, as they use the stock gaskets, there's a cover for the 9. 25 front axle, and you don't have to leave a bolt out of the rear cover. They are designed to fit our Dodge trucks, not the Chevy AAM axle. Additionally there's a fill hole at the same level as stock, not an incorrectly calibrated dip stick.

 

[SCurley]

Rosco/JCleary -



Thanks for the info. I'll do the fluid changes today and then look into those PML covers for future efforts... why good ol' US OEM products can't do drain plugs is still beyond me

 

[ohnoitsyu]

Rosco/JCleary -



Thanks for the info. I'll do the fluid changes today and then look into those PML covers for future efforts... why good ol' US OEM products can't do drain plugs is still beyond me

Yeah, I've noticed those nice cast covers on the Nissan Titan. As much as I like my truck the features and technology in our truck are comparable to the 1986 model imports (seen the dual heating/AC controls on the 3rd gens? - total cheese).

 

[2Gen3Gen]

I was going to suggest the same thing. I have to do my Corvette that way or pay big$$$$ at the dealer.

I just sucked it out, may not be the best but it sure was easy.



I used a topsider, it actually did a good job.



yes there could be some left, but not that much

 

[KENNETHMD]

Can anyone tell me what a topsider is, Or for that matter what kind of pump do i need to suck the fluid out and were can i buy one because that is the route i am takeing

Thanks in Advance KENNETHMD

 

[TexBamBam]

Dont forget the friction modifyer... (I know is says you don't need it) but you do... you will see... mine was making a Hell of a racket until I put it in...

 

[rbattelle]

Dont forget the friction modifyer... (I know is says you don't need it) but you do... you will see... mine was making a Hell of a racket until I put it in...

Clutch chatter?



-Ryan

 

[KENNETHMD]

Dont forget the friction modifyer... (I know is says you don't need it) but you do... you will see... mine was making a Hell of a racket until I put it in...

I: was told there was there no clutches in the 11. 5 rear on 3rd gen's with AAM axel's So i plan on useing Mobile 75x90 or Redline fully synthetic gear oil, are you sure I need friction modifier how much do i need and how much is it?? Thanks

 

[klenger]

See the section in the red box on page 2 of the TSB at http://www.klenger.net/dodge/3rd-gen-reference/tsb-03-001-04-rev-a.pdf No friction modifier required.

 

[TexBamBam]

I know what it says... but try it without and you will see... mine made one heck of a racket... the dealer put in the friction modifyer and wa-la... gone.

 

[WhiteSheep]

A friction modifier is not needed. I changed mine out over 6 months and 5k miles ago. I pulled my 5k lb trailer up to 9,000 ft in Arizona in August with no problems. If you are having problems, it is probably because you overfilled the diff. When the dealer added the modifier, they likely corrected the level. Check the shop manual or go to AAM's web site to see how this beauty works. I am actually surprised DC doesn't advertise the quality of this LS over standard clutch pack LSs. I know some people don't like them, but that is because they don't know how to use them. For one, I really like the fact I will never have to rebuild a clutch pack or use special modifiers like I do in my Jeep and F-150.

 

[Scrappy]

I put Royal Purple in mine w/o a friction modifier when I changed mine. what kind of racket? mine doesn't make any noise. tyr it w/o the friction modifier and add it later if necessary.

 

[TexBamBam]

I know what is says... . but the 5***** dealer did the service... and added the friction modifier... so the poping and snapping sounds would go away.

 

[mberry]

I put Royal Purple in mine w/o a friction modifier when I changed mine. what kind of racket? mine doesn't make any noise. tyr it w/o the friction modifier and add it later if necessary.

Scrappy,



Unless I'm unfamiliar with the product you used, Royal Purple gear lube come with the friction modifier in it already. Could be why you didn't have any problems.

 

[RankRam]

I use Mobil1 and have changed the fluids in both my 03 and 05 and have never had any chatter or strange noises from either truck.



I don't use a friction modifier and don't see any reason to either.

 

[rbattelle]

I know what is says... . but the 5***** dealer did the service... and added the friction modifier... so the poping and snapping sounds would go away.

What was making popping/snapping noises? These are Torsen-type limited slip systems.



I believe you that you heard these noises, but you must wonder where they came from since there are no clutch packs in there.



-Ryan