2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Filthy rearend oil

[Okie-Go]

I checked the oil in the diff and I am ashamed I let it get this dirty. I do a good amount of towing and at 18,034 miles it was very dirty. I have the mag-hytec and the magnet had a little crud on it. I think from now on I will change at least every 12-15000 miles. I just couldn't believe it was that dirty. I know it will have a few shavings in it from wear but I am curious that it got that dirty so quick. Keep an eye on it guys if you tow a lot.

 

[Whitmore]

What kind of oil was it? DC recommends that if you tow that you go to a synthetic oil, this is the part that kills me, if you buy a diesel truck than what are the odds of using it to tow? Why cant DC put synthetic in there to start with



cheers, Kevin

 

[Prairie Dog]

Originally posted by Whitmore

Why cant DC put synthetic in there to start with

They do now!

 

[JJW_ND]

Read the thread on "Dana 80...."

From my experience, I would change the rear diff. fluid at the 3nd or third oil service. I personally had great luck with 75W90 full synthetic (very hard, heavy, pulling for 700 miles one way straight through the first 180K miles).



If you don't tow much or tow light I would sample at 50K. Most likely your fine. If you tow heavy and often, drain again after 30K more miles. Things start to really clean up after about the second change. After the third change on mine, I was getting very good samples even with 40K miles of lots of hard pulling.



Run good oil. Sample if your worried.



I have seen rear oil samples that look nice and blue (hint on brand) like new yet the TAN was getting up their and need to be changed. I also have seen very black dirtly looking fluid from the front diff (93K on the oil) that test good enough for continued use. Don't base oil quality on its appearence!



My rear gears are all factory!



JJW

ND

 

[Dane]

If I was towing, I'd change it every 15,000, cheap insurance imo Don't forget to change the transmission oil too...

 

[Okie-Go]

I had the oil that the dealer reccommended. I do tow quite a bit. As a matter of fact I bought it there. It was synthetic, or so it said on the bottle. I may try to find another brand, I need to get this out of there quick. If I change brands of oil I was told by a friend I may need to take the mag-hytec off and clean out the old oil. To avoid all this I may just change more often. Please keep the ideas coming, will try to locate an amsoil dealer close to me.

 

[RustyJC]

Okie,



You know what we tow - we're running 21,180 GCW versus 21,500 GCWR. I've been using Royal Purple 85W-140 synthetic (available at my local NAPA) and am very pleased with the results so far. At least in our truck, no supplemental Mopar LSD friction modifier was required - the Royal Purple has friction modifier included in its formulation.



Rusty

 

[Okie-Go]

I think I am going to put in another brand and just keep an eye on it a little better. DC recommends 15K oil chnges in the rear if you tow. I will make sure it is synthetic, the dealer stuff may not be 100%. Thinking about trying Mobil 1.

 

[Okie-Go]

Well I couldn't find any Mobil1 here in town. I did find some Royal Purple but the guy told me he wouldn't use it in his truck(he sells it) so I took a hint. I guess it is back to dealer and just keep it changed more often. Let's see at 63,000 now it will need it again at 78,000. 5 -6 months of driveing. I will keep ears open for other brands ready available.

 

[TPlasek]

Did he give any explanation as to why he doesn't like Royal Purple or was that just his opinion. I always ask the "WHY" when someone throws something at me with no proof to back it up.



As for Royal Purple, I'm not going to say it is the best, because I don't have any scientific data to back it up. I do have the rear diff fluid temps on two race cars that run a routine 15F cooler with Royal Purple vs Mobile one. So I would tend to believe it is on the same level as that oil.



I'm not even going to speculate on the best brand, because I don't think there is one. I personally keep my all my oil changed with a good quality oil. I think if you do this, I think all are able to give adequate protection for our requirements.

 

[Okie-Go]

No I didn't ask. I just thought if he sells it and don't use it It there was something fishy. He may not could afford it or even had a junky truck instead of a fairly new Ram cummins. After getting home and a glass of Sprite I talked to a friend and I think I may can get some Amsoil. I agree it is best to just use a good oil and change regulary. At 14. 25 a quart for the dealer oil it sounds expensive to do this every 15,000 miles. Also on the bottle it says synthetic, it does not say 100% synthetic. I am just kinda paranoid and want this stuff out of there as it is real dark. Will try to hold on a week or so. I guess another 4-500 miles may not hurt. I have more miles with a trailer behind me than some have on their truck total that sent me private e-mails asking to try this or that brand. I think they are all pretty good if you don't tow a big trailer or do a lot of freeway driving or even if your truck is fairly new. I am not slamming any oil brand I just want one that will work with what I do. I just want a good oil at a good price is all I am trying to find. I think tplasek said it all when he said just change it on a schedule and keep an eye on it.

 

[Bill Lins]

Okie- I've been using the Amsoil 140 wt for the last 75k, changing it every 25k, with no problems. Personally, I feel the 90 wt just isn't enough for towing in the summer.

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by Okie-Go

I did find some Royal Purple but the guy told me he wouldn't use it in his truck(he sells it) so I took a hint

Okie, why would you take the word of a hypocrite? If he believes Royal Purple is no good, why would he sell it to anyone?



You might do a search on Royal Purple - I've never seen anyone here on TDR mention any problems using it. It made a noticeable difference in the rear differential heat and noise on our truck. As far as towing heavy, we're at 21,180 GCW versus 21,500 GCWR plus quite a bit of aerodynamic drag with our 36' 5ver.



Rusty

 

[Okie-Go]

Rusty I agree. I guess I didn't want to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person. I almost asked him why he had it on the shelf but I politeley told him thanks and left.