Differential PM Schedule/ Fluid Specs

[bballard]

The B maintenance schedule for the '04 model says to change differential fluid every 15000 miles. This seems pretty excessive. Is it a CYA for warranty purposes, or do you guys think it really needs to be changed that often. Also, it makes no mention of useing anything but 75W90 regardless of duty. My '01 recommended 75W140 for heavy towing, which I do, with a longer change interval. Was just wondering.



Bob

 

[Wiredawg]

Unbelievable!

BBallard:



It's the same for '03. There ain't no way I'm gonna change the diff fluid that often... maybe once every 100K. That synthetic ought to really run longer than that.



Maybe they want to boost profits on fluid changes?



Wiredawg

 

[Briman]

100k is too far. Every 30-36K is good. If you don't tow at all maybe 50K. Just my . 02.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Wiredawg,



I think they got it back wards... 15K on the rear axle and 30K on the 48RE!



I'm going to do them both at 15K and install Mag-Hytec covers for more capacity!



Bill

 

[Maheebaahaabah]

I just had my oil changed at a dealership today. They recommended that I change the fluid in both diff's at 10k (I'm at 22k right now and didn't own it at 10k) and again at 30k. Am I nutz or are they nutz? That seems crazy.



NOTE: I'm second owner and bought it at 15k. Previous owner (sad to say he's passed along) bought it new and pulled a 25' travel trailer with it now and then. I don't know if he serviced the diff's altho' he seemed to be pretty particular so it's a good guess he may have. Also, I asked the dealer (here in Las Vegas) and they say they have no way of calling up past service record if service wasn't done at their shop. (That seems weird to me too. )



Any suggestions?



R. C.

---------------------------------

2003 4x4 SLT, auto, 47RE, 4. 10

 

[Briman]

Originally posted by Briman

100k is too far. Every 30-36K is good. If you don't tow at all maybe 50K. Just my . 02.

OK, I've changed my position! I am changing my diffs next weekend, I will have around 15. 8K. The NV5600 will be changed as well.



The fluid I got out of my last trucks at the recommended mileage was so poor looking I figure that the oil is cheep compared to the alternative. I want to change it out before towing heavy in summer heat as well.



I don't think that any DC factory oil should be left in for more than the recommended amount of time, probably less. In particular the NV5600 which recommends no change .

 

[NSperduto]

Well, 15k is probably overkill, but I'm going to do it anyway. Being that I have a rear diff whine already, when this thing get worse, I don't want DC to blame it on poor maintenance.

 

[roperteacher]

The New AAM Axles require 75-90 Synthetic as per D/C and American Axles! They faxed me this info directly! My truck too has a whine and has been to dealer for rebuild and also reck twice. They replaced the 140 with the 75-90 at my request after I told them what D/C had faxed me. The fax stated " Make sure you inform your dealer of the correct fluid and fluid level" I think it's pretty sad when D/C tell you what to tell your dealer!!! My whine is much better with the 75-90 than the 140. I hope it goes away. Had it rebuilt 3,000 mi ago and I have them ck it every so often to keep a good written record. Hope that helps!

 

[RankRam]

Hey roper, did they mention in the fax that you had to use D/C oil or can you use any synthetic 75-90?



The reason I ask is one of the best tech's at my dealer told me I only use D/C's oil or risk loss of warranty on the diff.



Thanks.

 

[CChase]

Check the Owner's Manual

There is language in the Owner's Manual that deviates from this service interval. I don't know the exact language, but look it up in there, you'll find that DCX requires it only for severe service use.

 

[roperteacher]

I Pm'ed you Rank Ram

 

[NSperduto]

Originally posted by roperteacher

The New AAM Axles require 75-90 Synthetic as per D/C and American Axles! They faxed me this info directly! My truck too has a whine and has been to dealer for rebuild and also reck twice. They replaced the 140 with the 75-90 at my request after I told them what D/C had faxed me. The fax stated " Make sure you inform your dealer of the correct fluid and fluid level" I think it's pretty sad when D/C tell you what to tell your dealer!!! My whine is much better with the 75-90 than the 140. I hope it goes away. Had it rebuilt 3,000 mi ago and I have them ck it every so often to keep a good written record. Hope that helps!

If you can send me that fax, I can store it electronically and put it up for all to see. I'd be interested in seeing it since I'm getting ready for a service.



Nick



PM me and I can send you my efax number.

 

[stevenknapp]

I'm curious what they said about the proper level. I know there was some debate if full was to the hole, or 1" or so below it.



Also what's the "A" schedule for fluid changes for the diffs? Seems odd to change your engine oil and your diff oil at the same intervals. :O

 

[CChase]

Originally posted by stevenknapp

I'm curious what they said about the proper level. I know there was some debate if full was to the hole, or 1" or so below it.

11. 5" axle is 1/4" below the hole +/- 1/4" so at the hole is at the boundary of the tolerance...

 

[roperteacher]

The fax I received from D/C said to fill to 3/4" below the hole. On my 04, there is a FULL LINE indicated... I asked the dealer, and he said he filled it to the hole... Alteast it was the dealer, not me! I hope this doesn't hurt anything...

 

[CChase]

Originally posted by roperteacher

The fax I received from D/C said to fill to 3/4" below the hole.

If'n I'm not mistaken, that is the spec for the 10. 5" axle. The 11. 5" axle is the tolerances I mentioned above.

 

[DocDetonancour]

How much does a dealer charge for this service? thanks, Doc

Originally posted by RCLaney

I just had my oil changed at a dealership today. They recommended that I change the fluid in both diff's at 10k (I'm at 22k right now and didn't own it at 10k) and again at 30k. Am I nutz or are they nutz? That seems crazy.



NOTE: I'm second owner and bought it at 15k. Previous owner (sad to say he's passed along) bought it new and pulled a 25' travel trailer with it now and then. I don't know if he serviced the diff's altho' he seemed to be pretty particular so it's a good guess he may have. Also, I asked the dealer (here in Las Vegas) and they say they have no way of calling up past service record if service wasn't done at their shop. (That seems weird to me too. )



Any suggestions?



R. C.

---------------------------------

2003 4x4 SLT, auto, 47RE, 4. 10

 

[jcarey]

See TSB #03-001-04 REV. A. My dealer gave me acopy yesterday.



In it it states: "The axle fill holes on some 2004 Dodge Truck axles may be located considerably higher than the actual fluid level. Filling the axle until fluid comes out the hole will overfill the axle, which could cause fluid foaming... "



It describes the proper procedure to use (using a pipe cleaner or wire) to check levels.

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by Doc DeTon

How much does a dealer charge for this service? thanks, Doc

I don't remember the exact price, but the Mopar 75w90 for our trucks lists for $25-$30 if memory serves me right . Also, I think that the 75w140 Mopar oil is NOT a full synthetic.



Dean

 

[InThinAir]

I have always filled to the capacity spec and not any fill line or dipstick. Where I live there isn't enough level ground to change fluids on, so I just fill to the capacity spec. On the 11. 5 it is still 7. 65 pints, right? Seems like not enough, the Dana takes 10. 1 pints.



---Doug