Front Differential Synthetic Only?

[David Pendleton]

I've just had my dealer perform my schedule "B" 30K maintenance. As part of this, they performed what they call their 4X4 drivetrain service.



This time, the service rep informed me that because the front differential requires synthetic lubricant, it will be considerably more expensive than previously stated over the phone (when I made the appointment).



This is the second time I've had this service performed, the other being at 15K, and noone said a word about synthetic oil or charged me $20. 00 a quart for it.



Anyone know the deal with this? Is synthetic really required?



Thanks all.

 

[Sled Puller]

I never heard it was "needed", the rear requires synthetic if towing.



Ask to see their "synthetic".



The best synthetic gear lubes on the market range from $8 to $13 a qt.



Whatever they are selling, it is overpriced.

Gene

 

[MoparDave]

I Have

My 2001 factory service manual states that synthetic 75-140 is the factory fill for the front diff. When servicing refill with Mopar 75-140 synthetic

 

[Blair]

The Mopar fluid is expensive and is good, but there are many other fluids on the market that are equally as good and somewhat cheaper.



I was under the belief that if a manufacturer demanded the use of thier product to service where no other product could be used then they had to supply it at no charge.