If it were you.....(Fluids levels check at dealership?)

[MojaveJoe]

OK Guys,

I really need your help here.



Monday (9/22) I will be picking up my new truck.

I have read plenty here about checking differential fluid levels right away. It is not clear, however, exactly what levels are acceptable.



If you were me... what would you look for after having your dealer put your truck on the rack to check fluid levels. (I intend to do this before accepting the truck)



Seeking your expertise on front and rear differentials and transfer case fluid levels and fluid types.



Thanx,

Joe

(soon to be a proud member of the CTD club)

 

[Kel]

I would check the level myself. If the fluid is to the bottom of the holes, you should be fine. I don't remember the exact specs but you can actually be a little below (1/2"?) the hole and still be ok.



This is exactly what I did when I bought my truck in March. I told the sales guy that before I took delivery of the truck I wanted to check the fluids myself. He was surprised, but agreed (what other choice did he have? )

 

[Sregorb]

Smart, SMART move! The transmission fluid wasn't even to the safe mark here when I picked up my 2002. (in their defense they did swap out the transmission pan to a Mag-Hytec before I got there, probably put stock amount and didn't know about the added quarts). But still, it's well worth it to check.



Try this out for taste:

http://www.dodgeram.org/buying_info/Inspect.htm



Brian

 

[Tony T.]

If your not sure about the fluid specs ask for documation showing all levels were checked besides having the service tech walk through everything with you. I had planned on doing the same thing, have all fluids checked out before I took possession of the truck, but I was not able to because it was about a 120 mile round trip to the dealership from were I live and we arrived there about 9 PM to pick up the truck service area close's at 6 PM.

 

[ralphr]

I would at least ask the service deptartment to check and have it documented somewhere so if there is a problem later on they can't deny warrenty service because of low fluid level!

 

[MojaveJoe]

Thanks guys

I appreciate your advice. Im going to request a rack inspection before I accept the truck. Will look for level with fill hole or within 1/2" of it. If they won't do it, I will demand documentation all fluid levels were checked.

Regards,

Joe

 

[ANutt]

What's this on the the plug?

Just checked my diff levels after reading these posts. Rear was a little low, front okay. Both plugs had some sort of silvery paint-like material on the inside end of them; it wiped right off. I wonder what it was and if there's more floating around? Fluid was clear on both ends. Anyone have any ideas what this stuff is?

 

[Rosco]

ANutt, the plugs are magnetic so it's just fine metal collecting on it as the gears wear in. I had it on both my 03's.

 

[ANutt]

Seems like a lot of fine metal for 2300 miles. The stuff smells to high heaven as well; kind of a noxious, spent=petroleum sort of smell.