Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Differential

[Rockcrusher]

Our friendly Dodge manufacture would like us to change differential oil every 18,000 miles. Seems too often to me even for positraction. I guess they like that $100 plus to do it. My old 1990 went a long ways between changes.

What's the general opinion out there in Ram Land?

 

[SKneeland]

i have allways done mine every 60-70000 miles, trany, diffs, coolant etc. on any vehicle i have owned and never had a driveline breakdown

 

[Crash&Burn]

I did mine at 40,000 (old lube looked perfect) myself, for about $28 of Royal Purple and little bit of silcone sealer...

 

[Bob4x4]

The safe interval for a diff service will change according to how the truck is used,the amount of torque you have,your driving habits etc. Oil is broken down by high temps and contaminated by wear particles.



Bob

 

[rweis]

My local parts guy (real parts shop, they build race cars) thinks about 40k is about right. He and I had a long discussion on this and I told him I tow heavy (13k) about 14 times a year for about 300 miles each tow (4. 2k), total 25k per yr.



So he based the interval on how I drive. How you drive / tow and amount is more of a factor than a single yard stick for everyone. Also what makes YOU feel ok with it.



Bob Weis

 

[Hohn]

With a quality synthetic lube matched to your usage (heavy towing, high torque, whatever), I see no reason why a good gear oil won't go 50K.



I change mine at 20K-- It's probably a waste of money (Redline lube ain't cheap), but the peace of mind to me is priceless.



JLH

 

[sfritts]

I have changed mine at about 50,000 the first time and 120,000 the second time and the gears look like new and having used Vavoline synthetic both times seems to agree with it. I have done 3 cross-country trips with a 9,000 - 10,000 lbs. 5th wheel to the Rockies.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Thanks for all the inputs. Confirms my experience over the last 55 years of taking care of my own vehicles.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

AS said above, lots depends on how the truck is used - these LSD differential clutches WILL shed wear particles in normal use and contaminate the lube - and towing heavy CAN really heat the lube and lower it's efficiency. My Ford RVing bud towed heavy, and NEVER had his differential (Dana 80, just like ours!) serviced - UNTIL he had to have it rebuilt at 70,000 miles!



In *my* book, $40 worth of lube beats a $1500 rebuild!