Diff fluid change and grinding feel

[4xquadrod]

I installed a mag-hytec diff cover and added a synthetic oil and felt a grinding going on in the diff. I drained and added another prominent oil and still had the slight grinding while turning. The manual states that no additive is necessary. I was at a local rear end shop dropping off a third member for my Charger and inquired about the truck while I was there. They immediately handed me a small bottle of additive and said they know what the manual says but this is what you need. I added this and the grinding was gone within a few miles. They also told me that they get at least two trucks a week from different manufacturers doing warranty work on the diffs. There opinion is that synthetic oils are great for bearings but they are not pleased with them in diffs.



I didn't list the oils I used because I didn't want to start an oil war.



Steve

 

[lschultz]

Learn something new ever now and then.

 

[scotmartin]

They gave you a bottle of friction modifier. It allows the limited slip to release when turning. I had to do the same thing, and mine has non-synthetic fluid.



Scot

 

[amsoilman]

If you have an 03', the Differential is manufactured by AAM, and does not have discs in it like the Dana axles have.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[rbattelle]

If you have a 2500 with an automatic transmission, then you have the 10. 5 inch rear axle, which DOES require friction modifier.

 

[llotton]

The 2500 TD has the 11. 5 AAM dif. and has no clutches. Larry

 

[rbattelle]

Not all 2500 diesels have the 11. 5 inch axle.

 

[4xquadrod]

My 2500 has the 10. 5. (CA SO)



I think the HO 2500's have the 11. 5.

 

[Ram_I_am]

11.5 in Rear Diff

On my '03 the build indicates:

Transmission 4Sp Automatic 48RE

Axle-Rear 11. 50



Axle Anti-Spin Differential



I suspect that the 11. 5" rear is now standard with the 48RE transmission option.



My truck was built 6/03 in Mexico.

 

[Swayse]

And lets not forget about the SO 5 speed, it has the 11. 5.

 

[JohnCooper]

My 03 CA SO 4X4 48RE has the 10. 5 LS rearend. I have double checked the build sheet. Does this rearend have clutches?

 

[rbattelle]

Yes, the 10. 5 LS has clutches and requires the addition of limited slip additive per page 0-4 of the service manual.