Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Well, today marks the first time I changed my differential fluid on my '06 3500 Ram dually. It wasn't bad. A few points to remember for all of you novices (like me):
For the 06 3500 Ram dually with the AA 11. 5 rear (limited slip) and the AA 10. 5 front.
You will need a 13mm socket with some varied extensions. My socket was a six sided 1/4 inch. I suggest getting a larger 13mm socket (5/8 at least).
Get 8 quarts of fluid (I used Royal purple 75w-90 full synthetic) + MOPAR's limited slip additive.
I bought the Jay's EZ Funnel from Geno's. Save your money. I'm sure it is a fine product, but all I used was the clear plastic tube that was included as an extension. I used the extension as a slip on for the Royal Purple nozzle on the quart. Worked great and no mess. I couldn't get all of the oil out any other way.
I'm not a mechanic, and I don't think swimming in this fluid is safe. I use vinyl gloves (think dental office). Kept the hands clean and no funky fluids to worry about.
Mark all the bolt holes and fill bolts with alignment paint. Might seem like overkill, but it will ease the final "adjustment" at the end. Simply tighten and when the lines match up... you're done.
The front diff is a pain in the neck. Literally! Bars in the way, no room and just plain hard. This is where all those extensions on your socket come into play.
Get a socket adaptor for your handheld drill. I only recommend this to the type of drills that have clutches. I turned my clutch WAY down and simply used it to take the bolts out and put them back in to snug. I always put the bolts in by hand so as to make sure they weren't cross threaded and then used the drill to make them snug. Then use the socket to finish the job.
I took a lot of people's advise and used MOPAR's limited slip in my rear diff. I know people will say you don't need it, but a lot of people are having issues and why not solve the problem in the beginning instead of having to put it in later and be all upset about it.
I used two oil pans to catch the old fluid. I also used BRAKE CLEAN to clean out the metal flakes on the magnet and also on the interior diff itself (with cover off). Make the purchase of shop rags. They had no lint to worry about and they do a bang up job of cleaning the interior of the cover. You'll use a few of these rags and then you can just pitch them in the trash. I have been married a while Gents, don't think about putting good rags to clean with this synthetic stuff in your wife's washer. Not a good idea!
Dispose of the old fluid at a oil change place or one that accepts outside used oil. Remember, the environment is our friend. You dump this stuff on my acreage and I'd chase you down too!
Overall, a few hours work. Saved lots of dollars and have a deep satisfaction of a very good job completed. Don't forget the Motrin for the neck for those of us getting a little older.
Hope it all helps!
For the 06 3500 Ram dually with the AA 11. 5 rear (limited slip) and the AA 10. 5 front.
You will need a 13mm socket with some varied extensions. My socket was a six sided 1/4 inch. I suggest getting a larger 13mm socket (5/8 at least).
Get 8 quarts of fluid (I used Royal purple 75w-90 full synthetic) + MOPAR's limited slip additive.
I bought the Jay's EZ Funnel from Geno's. Save your money. I'm sure it is a fine product, but all I used was the clear plastic tube that was included as an extension. I used the extension as a slip on for the Royal Purple nozzle on the quart. Worked great and no mess. I couldn't get all of the oil out any other way.
I'm not a mechanic, and I don't think swimming in this fluid is safe. I use vinyl gloves (think dental office). Kept the hands clean and no funky fluids to worry about.
Mark all the bolt holes and fill bolts with alignment paint. Might seem like overkill, but it will ease the final "adjustment" at the end. Simply tighten and when the lines match up... you're done.
The front diff is a pain in the neck. Literally! Bars in the way, no room and just plain hard. This is where all those extensions on your socket come into play.
Get a socket adaptor for your handheld drill. I only recommend this to the type of drills that have clutches. I turned my clutch WAY down and simply used it to take the bolts out and put them back in to snug. I always put the bolts in by hand so as to make sure they weren't cross threaded and then used the drill to make them snug. Then use the socket to finish the job.
I took a lot of people's advise and used MOPAR's limited slip in my rear diff. I know people will say you don't need it, but a lot of people are having issues and why not solve the problem in the beginning instead of having to put it in later and be all upset about it.
I used two oil pans to catch the old fluid. I also used BRAKE CLEAN to clean out the metal flakes on the magnet and also on the interior diff itself (with cover off). Make the purchase of shop rags. They had no lint to worry about and they do a bang up job of cleaning the interior of the cover. You'll use a few of these rags and then you can just pitch them in the trash. I have been married a while Gents, don't think about putting good rags to clean with this synthetic stuff in your wife's washer. Not a good idea!
Dispose of the old fluid at a oil change place or one that accepts outside used oil. Remember, the environment is our friend. You dump this stuff on my acreage and I'd chase you down too!
Overall, a few hours work. Saved lots of dollars and have a deep satisfaction of a very good job completed. Don't forget the Motrin for the neck for those of us getting a little older.
Hope it all helps!
who knew?? :-laf Yeah shame on me and the worst of it all would be is that I have a diff cover that I bought back in muncie ... as in thunder in muncie LOL
