Axle service requirement

[Newsa]

Is it just me that thinks its crazy that the axle lube needs to be changed at every oil change?

 

[gsbrockman]

OK Greg, we are on the same page now. The table has the asterisk, and the note for the asterisk is on the page that follows the table, apparently 336 in your manual. LOL its all good. I keep answering this question about differential service a lot here lately. Cummins 12V98 was telling me it was 24K miles the other day. After much conversation I finally got him to look and and see where it says 15K MILES or 24K Km! LOL

I guess I'll keep running the good ol' Valvoline SynPower 75W90 GL5 Full Synthetic. It looks like the 75W85 is used in some applications as transmission fluid.

 

[Kirwin]

Is it just me that thinks its crazy that the axle lube needs to be changed at every oil change?

If your towing at max GCWR it is probably necessary. Not much oil in the stock differential. If your towing less, then I think you can judge by looking at your oil every 20K and seeing if its necessary. I'll change again at 40K. and I'm running nearly twice the oil with the Mag-Hytec cover.

 

[Eagle6.7L]

Kirwin,it is a 2015.

 

[Kirwin]

Here is the original lubricant for the American Axle differentials. This has been what I've used and was specified when the axle swap from the Dana axles occurred in 2002-2003 2500 and 3500 trucks.

 

[Kirwin]

And this is the new stuff that the dealer is now stocking for our trucks.

 

[Cummins12V98]

After my experience I WON'T run the Mopar axle lube. My Manual states 15K if towing and in SNOKING's Diesel supplement it says 20K. At 20K I started getting "grabbing" on take off. I sampled at 24K the lube was toast. AMZ/OIL 75/110 in my 11 HO Dually was in good shape at 50K towing a combined 29K.

 

[Oldroostman]

At what interval should oil be changed if one never towed?

 

[Cummins12V98]

At what interval should oil be changed if one never towed?

I would not exceed 20K with OE.

 

[Jim W]

I would not exceed 20K with OE.

OK, what has changed between the 2008MY and the newer trucks such as the 2015 and up in the 11.5 AAM axle? In my 2008 Diesel Supplement book the axle interval is set at 15,000 Miles for the 4X4 with no distinction on differential gearing.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My regular manual says 15K under the diesel section but SNOKING's diesel supplement says 20K. I just know mine was acting up at 20K towing heavy.

 

[Kirwin]

OK, what has changed between the 2008MY and the newer trucks such as the 2015 and up in the 11.5 AAM axle? In my 2008 Diesel Supplement book the axle interval is set at 15,000 Miles for the 4X4 with no distinction on differential gearing.

I don't think it is the gearing. I think it is the astronomical tow rating that these heavy duty (light duty?) axles are now rated for. I know that the AAM 11.5 axle on my 03 would easily get to the 175-185 F temperature range on hard climb pulls with only a 12K trailer behind it. I can't imagine what bearing temperature gets too in the stock axle with at 24K trailer behind it with 900 Lb-ft of torque on the input shaft. The axle hasn't changed significantly, but the power and the load has easily doubled in the 2013 and later trucks. My $0.02 Ken Irwin

 

[Oldroostman]

im gonna change my rear only this weekend.i have 18000 miles , never towed more then 12000 pounds for about 6000 miles. I bought the mopar 75/85 . You guys think I'm in the ballpark?

 

[Kirwin]

im gonna change my rear only this weekend.i have 18000 miles , never towed more then 12000 pounds for about 6000 miles. I bought the mopar 75/85 . You guys think I'm in the ballpark?

Yup, you'll be fine. Keep everything clean. If you decide to wipe out the oil that wont drain, use lint free cloths. You don't want any fibers in the differential! Use a Jay's Easy Funnel to refill.

 

[kthaxton]

It may or may not be relevant, but don't the DRW have the 11.8 rear axle?

 

[KPotter]

What is the mileage or time interval for diff fluid change if truck never towed?

 

[Newsa]

NJ

What is the mileage or time interval for diff fluid change if truck never towed?

See post #29 on previous page

 

[Jim W]

I don't think it is the gearing. I think it is the astronomical tow rating that these heavy duty (light duty?) axles are now rated for. I know that the AAM 11.5 axle on my 03 would easily get to the 175-185 F temperature range on hard climb pulls with only a 12K trailer behind it. I can't imagine what bearing temperature gets too in the stock axle with at 24K trailer behind it with 900 Lb-ft of torque on the input shaft. The axle hasn't changed significantly, but the power and the load has easily doubled in the 2013 and later trucks. My $0.02 Ken Irwin

Ken,
If you read my post correctly I said the interval was based on miles regardless of gearing.

Now I think I tow a little heavy as I have been across the scales and the truck and trailer weigh in at 21,000 lbs with the rear axle at 6,100 lbs. I also use Amsoil oil 75W-90 gear oil with a Mag-Hytec diff cover this provides an additional 2 1/2 quarts of oil. I have measured the diff temps and they are a constant 145F with an IR heat gun, this is after 2 hours of towing. I measure the rear diff cover and the trailer tires temps at every rest stop.
I have used Amsoil 75W-90 since 09 when I changed out my diff covers to Mag-Hytec covers with great results.

 

[KPotter]

post #29 appears to be a opinion. anyone know what the factory states? Manual is very vague. Hard to believe the rear can only go 20,000 without a change.

 

[sag2]

This thread made me look at the interval for my 1500 and it is also 20k if towing. It got changed today with 75-140 Mopar and it looked clean coming out.