Front and rear differential covers and fluid recommendations

[mgr1001]

Hi Y'all

I'm new to this forum, so please forgive any mistakes.

I have a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW FWD Laramie which I use to tow a fifth wheel (GVWR 16,500 lbs). I also have the Aisin transmission upgrade. So far, everything is bone stock.

Getting ready to service my drive-train and was looking for some recommendations/experience in this area.

First off, I am considering replacing both differential covers with some aftermarket ones that will allow for easier service in the future (drain plugs which Ram conveniently left out). How can I determine which differentials I have so I can get the correct covers for my axles? I don't care about "fancy", just functionality.

Also, was wondering what I might find when I pull the covers off, gaskets or RTV? Is one really better than the other? Not knowing any better, my inclination is to go with RTV since I don't plan on cracking the pumpkins open much afterwards.

Also, hoping to hear experiences you guys have had with various differential fluid brands and viscosity? Again, from the little bit of online research I've done, it looks like Amsoil 75w-140 might be one of the better choices for my situation.

All advice and recommendations seriously welcome.

Thanks

Mike

 

[Learjet]

reusable gaskets front and back, replacements available at Geno's garage.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I think any name brand axle lube will suffice. I change my drive axle fluids annually

 

[Cummins12V98]

Use AMZ/OIL 75-90 SevereGear in the front axle since it rarely sees use. Use 75-110 SevereGear in the rear towing frequently or heavy. 75-140 is WAY too heavy.


The OE lube is junk!

If anything I would buy the OE finned cover. Front and back have reusable gaskets that work very well. I personally like removing the covers to give everything a look over.

 

[CMB]

Lube should carry the GL-5 rating. I went with the Mag-Hytec covers. I just liked the "floating magnet". There is a rare-earth magnet within the dip stick and yes it collects some grey matter. Be sure to clean the cover mating surface. In fact, it doesn't hurt to hit the cover with compressed air prior to opening.
I'm sure I'm stating the obvious but dirt is the bearings worst enemy. When I opened my covers I found the odd brown material that had me very nervous. Later it became quite obvious that it was just dirt that was pinch in between the diff housing and the cover. Not a big deal just unexpected.

 

[Cummins12V98]

A little brake keen works wonders before removing the diff covers.

I have owned MagHytec covers on two trucks and they are great but the magnet on the AAM cover works GREAT also, see pic.

 

[Newsa]

Double post

 

[Newsa]

Hi Y'all

I'm new to this forum, so please forgive any mistakes.

I have a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW FWD Laramie which I use to tow a fifth wheel (GVWR 16,500 lbs). I also have the Aisin transmission upgrade. So far, everything is bone stock.

Getting ready to service my drive-train and was looking for some recommendations/experience in this area.

First off, I am considering replacing both differential covers with some aftermarket ones that will allow for easier service in the future (drain plugs which Ram conveniently left out). How can I determine which differentials I have so I can get the correct covers for my axles? I don't care about "fancy", just functionality.

Also, was wondering what I might find when I pull the covers off, gaskets or RTV? Is one really better than the other? Not knowing any better, my inclination is to go with RTV since I don't plan on cracking the pumpkins open much afterwards.

Also, hoping to hear experiences you guys have had with various differential fluid brands and viscosity? Again, from the little bit of online research I've done, it looks like Amsoil 75w-140 might be one of the better choices for my situation.

All advice and recommendations seriously welcome.

Thanks

Mike

Don't bother changing the front diff cover. But do take both covers off and wipe out the insides.

There is not much room on some of these trucks to add a higher capacity cover or after market cover on the front differential. You may just be creating a headache for yourself trying to fit a new one on.

Dealers don't bother wiping out the particles inside. They (typically) just open the fill port, suck out the old/pour in the new stuff. They don't take off the covers or even take the magnetic drain plug out (Which also needs inspected and wiped)

The gaskets are hardy and resuable.

I have the AFE aftermarket cover on the rear. It doesn't get hot. I've heard some people have trouble with the AFE gaskets. But mine is fine. The mag hytec is a more expensive, but slightly better cover. If you already have the finned cover that comes with some of the Aisin equipped trucks, you are fine in the rear.

I use the same Amsoil fluids that Cummins 12v98 uses.

Edit: Love the sight glass that comes as an option with/for the high capacity covers. Do that!

 

[mgr1001]

Hi Cummins12v98,

I'm seeing several references to using SAE 75W-140 SYNTHETIC API GL 5 gear lubricant, including GENO'S, and on the Cumminsownerz forum.

I tow a fairly heavy (16,500 pound) fifth wheel, and spend over 50% of my time in fairly hot conditions. Why do you believe that 75W-140 is way too heavy?

Thanks

Mike

 

[Jim W]

Hi, I have a 3rd gen truck a 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500. I am using two Mag-Hyteck axle covers on my truck. The front cover needed a little tweaking to clear the front suspension. These were installed in 2009, both front and rear covers along with a Mag-Hytec deep dish transmission oil pan. I have never had any leaks on my front cover with the little grinding that was done to the cover for clearance.

I am using Amsoil Heavy Duty Synthetic EP-Gear Lube 75W-90 for both axles. The fluid is changed every 40,000 miles and there is no wear on the ring gear or pinion. Debris are just a little metal fillings which is fuzz on the magnetic dip stick and this is normal wear. I to tow heavy I am towing a 34RL Cedar Creek. I measure my towing differential axle temps at most rest stops with an IF gun and the temps run around 110F front and 145F rear with 90F ambient temps.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Hi Cummins12v98,

I'm seeing several references to using SAE 75W-140 SYNTHETIC API GL 5 gear lubricant, including GENO'S, and on the Cumminsownerz forum.

I tow a fairly heavy (16,500 pound) fifth wheel, and spend over 50% of my time in fairly hot conditions. Why do you believe that 75W-140 is way too heavy?

Thanks

Mike

You should run 75-110 SevereGear rear and same but 75-90 front.

That is what people used in the Dana axles towing heavy but with the AAM towing heavy the 75-110 is recommended.

Look your truck up on the AMZ/OIL guide site, they don't even show the 75-140 if it'a a 4th gen.

 

[masterdrago]

That Ansoil 75W110 is some fairly pricey goo. How much will we need to replace the front and rear on the 3500 Dually Cummins/Aisin?

 

[Cummins12V98]

That Ansoil 75W110 is some fairly pricey goo. How much will we need to replace the front and rear on the 3500 Dually Cummins/Aisin?

Go go to AMZ/OIL's fitment guide. They have all the capacities.

 

[Newsa]

I don't see a problem with severe gear 75w 140. I used severe gear 190 for 2 years in the Miami heat with no problem. I changed it for the trip to illinois, though (where it hit neg 17)

 

[Cummins12V98]

I don't see a problem with severe gear 75w 140. I used severe gear 190 for 2 years in the Miami heat with no problem. I changed it for the trip to illinois, though (where it hit neg 17)

Use it if you want it will just create more drag simple as that. If AMZ/OIL thought it was the proper lube they would list it! Our trucks call for 75-90 but AMZ/OIL also recommends the 75-110 because they think it will give the best protection if towing frequently and heavy.