American Axle,...new info

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

I decided to run the traps on some info I came across in a post recently re: the proper weight rear gear lube for the AAM axle. I called American's 800 number 800 299 AXLE (2953) and spoke to Bob Dunn. He verified that we should be using 75/90 weight and it should be full synthetic with NO additive. DCX puts 75/140, I understand, in these rear ends. He said they've been trying to get that corrected for 2 years,... go figure. I for one was interested since I put a Mag Hytec cover on and filled it with the wrong stuff and also put in the additive. Thought someone else could benefit from this info. The proper DCX part number for the right fluid is 5102232AA.

 

[DGFoster]

Good info,thanks

 

[BStoecker]

Gee, imagine DCX requiring us to use 75/140 synthetic lube that is difficult to find locally and sells at the dealership for $20/qt instead of the more easy to find 75/90 weight that is 75% cheaper...

 

[Tony T.]

Changing Gear Oil

I changed my front an rear out at 15,200 miles, an used the Castrol Full-Synthetic 75/90 gear oil. API GL-5 rating your good to go. It would be the equivalent to the dealership brand as stated in the 03 owners manual. Got a small discount of $6. 92 quart from a friend at the auto parts place. Regular price around $7. 53 quart.

 

[rbattelle]

Don't know about you guys, but my owner's manual and my '03 service manual both indicate a full-synthetic 75w-90 gear oil for both axles. And here on this site we've always said the 75w-90 is the correct lubricant for these axles. Since when is Dodge recommending 75w-140? This is the first I have heard of Dodge doing this for the 3rd gen trucks.

 

[NSperduto]

Originally posted by OT-OF-HERE!!

I decided to run the traps on some info I came across in a post recently re: the proper weight rear gear lube for the AAM axle. I called American's 800 number and spoke to Bob Dunn. He verified that we should be using 75/90 weight and it should be full synthetic with NO additive. DCX puts 75/140, I understand, in these rear ends. He said they've been trying to get that corrected for 2 years,... go figure. I for one was interested since I put a Mag Hytec cover on and filled it with the wrong stuff and also put in the additive. Thought someone else could benefit from this info. The proper DCX part number for the right fluid is 5102232AA.

Yeah, 75/90 and no additive, but will it harm anything if the additive is in there. Already had this fight with the dealer once and just gave up and let them leave the additive in there.



Nick

 

[ttreibel]

Did they say what is wrong with 75w-140w? My guess is this combo lets the rear end last longer under heavy loads, something you would rather not happen if you sell rear-ends and parts.

 

[Yo Hoot]

GM recommends 75-140 for severe duty... also AAM axles.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Well I used the expensive Mopar stuff that DC recommends since day one and my rear end still ended up toast. The new ring and pinion they just put in got Red Line 75W140 with the dealer's blessing. I can't see how the heavier stuff can hurt especially pulling heavy like I do. Dana must have had a reason for recommending heavier oil in towing applications for the gen two trucks. In an email response from AAM almost two years ago AAM stated while they recommend sticking to DC recommendations since DC administers the warrantee, the heavier weight oil "does provide some benefits". FWIW.

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

AAM

Originally posted by BStoecker

Gee, imagine DCX requiring us to use 75/140 synthetic lube that is difficult to find locally and sells at the dealership for $20/qt instead of the more easy to find 75/90 weight that is 75% cheaper...

Better reread the post I made. You've got the weights and what's synthetic turned around.

 

[BStoecker]

What did I get backwards? You posted that the axle company says that we should be using 75/90 full synthetic, right? But, DCX is using 75/140 and set that as the "correct" lube. In my experience, it is almost impossible to find full synthetic 75/140 without ordering it or buying it from the dealer. I was just pointing out that to me it looks like DCX is telling us to use 75/140 in place of 75/90 because it will force more people to buy their over-priced lube. My dealer charges me right at $20/qt for 75/140 that I run in my Jeep axles. I don't see what I got backwards.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Red Line has full synthetic in the heavier weight for around 8 bucks a quart. Amsoil also makes the heavier weight. I heard the DC dealer supplied 75W140 is not full synthetic.



Those axles are filled by AAM at their assembly plant. The DC manual recommends 75W90 GL5 lube although I am more comfortable with the heavier Red Line product because I tow a heavy fiver. Apart from a slight decrease in fuel economy, I can't see a downside to using the heavier product in mild weather. Perhaps someone can educate me if there is a negative to the heavier stuff.



Casey

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by BStoecker

My dealer charges me right at $20/qt for 75/140 that I run in my Jeep axles. I don't see what I got backwards.

OUCH. What's that feel like? I thought $8/qt was expensive for the RedLine oil I use in ALL my diffs. I wouldn't think of using anything else! RedLine MTL in the manual transmission too!

 

[SVazquez]

I am about to turn 30k. I have been reading up on these posts for the last 2 weeks and finally came to the conclusion that I will be running Redline 75/90 in the diffs. Had already decided on Amsoil for everything else and was going to stay with the dealer gear oil. Would go with Amsoil in the diff. but won't be able to get it in time to do it on Sat. I don't do a lot of posts but I sure do enjoy reading all the expertise that is on this site.

 

[scootergmc]

Hey guys, I was just at Walmart checking out motor oil prices and happened to see their in-house brand, Super Tech, 75w-140 full synthetic gear oil, which sells for $8. 86/qt. It looks like it meets all the requirements for a good price. I figure it can't hurt. Thought I'd share.

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by scootergmc

Hey guys, I was just at Walmart checking out motor oil prices and happened to see their in-house brand, Super Tech, 75w-140 full synthetic gear oil, which sells for $8. 86/qt. It looks like it meets all the requirements for a good price. I figure it can't hurt. Thought I'd share.

That's slightly more than Redline costs... . seems kinda pricey for "generic" oil.

 

[stevenknapp]

$9 a quart? For "Super Tech"?



I swear I pay about that, if not less ($6/qt I think), for Mobil1 from Pep Boys.

 

[scootergmc]

Yes, I know this seemed expensive to me for WalMart stuff, but it was 75W-140. I know the redline synth is around $8, but it is 75W-90. Is there that big of a $$ difference between the two weights?

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by scootergmc

Yes, I know this seemed expensive to me for WalMart stuff, but it was 75W-140. I know the redline synth is around $8, but it is 75W-90. Is there that big of a $$ difference between the two weights?

Actually, Redline comes in 75-140 as well... check it out here

 

[scootergmc]

Yeah, I saw it after searching around. Seems Walmart isn't slashing prices after all.