Checking Diff Lube

[GregSmith]

Can someone let me know what tools I need to check the differential fluid levels in a 2500 4x4? I'll be taking delivery next week. Since I have a 300 mile drive to get it home, I want to check this out before making the trip back. Thanks for your help.

 

[alleyoop]

A 3/8" rachet will work. If you have the 10. 5 rear axle, level will be 3/4" below fill hole +or- 1/4" . Mine was 1" below hole, so I topped it off with some Mobil 1 synthetic gear oil... ..... Its alot cheaper than the dealer synthetic.







2003 Ram 2500, qaud, 4x4... ... ... got it July 03

 

[CAKUZ]

GREG;

Use a square 3/8" drive end to remove the plug. On page 311 of my 2003 Ram Truck Diesel Owners Manual it states; The vehicle should be in a level position. The fluid level should be 1/4" + or - 1/4" (NOT 3/4") below the fill hole on the 9 . 25" Front Axle and is the same for All 10. 5" & 11. 5" Rear Axles. I added about 1 1/3 Qt. of the Mobil 1 Synthetic to my dually rear axle to bring it up to the bottom , till it ran out of the fill hole, making it + (plus) 1/4" as mentioned above. Page 340 of my Owners Manual tells us to use 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Fluid in 2500/3500 axles and that AAM axles DO NOT REQUIRE a limited slip additive.

Hope this helps. Good Luck and enjoy your new CTD Ram.

 

[drtrox]

A FAX to DODGE Dealers from Corp.

American Axles



Dodge Trucks are now using American Axles for 2003 and later. Please make sure your Service Department is using the correct lubricant and adhering to the correct fill levels.



These axles do not require Friction Modifier, but do require a special synthetic lubricant. According to American Axle, this 75W-90 lubricant part number listed below is a pure synthetic lubricant and does not contain Phosphates. This is different from the 75W-I40 that is used on DANA and Corporate Axles.



Please use Mopar Part # 05102232AA on all American Axles



Caution: Overfilling these Axles may result in lubricant foaming and overheating!



Please adhere to the fill levels described in the vehicle owner's manual or levels listed below.



9. 25 Front: 1/4" +/- 1/4" (Total of 1/2" below fill hole)

10. 5 Rear: 3/4" +/- 1/4" (Total of l" below fill hole)

11. 5 Rear: 1/2" +/- 1/4" (Total of 3/4" below fill hole)





Reminder

 A break in period of 500 miles is required before towing!

 Afterwards do not exceed 50 MPH for the first 500 miles of towing.



Here is a scanned copy of the actual FAX: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=3977&width=2

 

[GregSmith]

Thanks for your help!