New old guy with questions

[Ram67]

Yesterday, I bought a new 2012 3500 crew cab. I used to have a 2004. 5 but sold it about 5 years ago and have been away from the cummins community since.

Some aspects of the new truck and its care and feeding are the same, but after some research a couple questions remain.

1. What are the current thoughts on synthetic oils during break in?

2. I see they have changed to 75w-90 in the differentials. Is it still a no-no to fill the rear differential to the bottom of the fill plug. In the third gen I believe we were to keep the level about 3/8" below the fill plug opening. Does this still hold true?

3. I will be installing a fifth wheel hitch. Is welding to this frame acceptable?

I appreciate the help. It is good to back in a cummins.

Thanks, Dave

 

[Slow Six]

I installed a Reese Elite on my 2012. It has a frame work that clamps around the frame so there is no welding or drilling the frame. There are 4 holes on the bed floor for pins that hold the hitch. When hitch is removed the bed floor is clean. This doesn't answer your welding question but it was an option that I liked. I hope you enjoy the new truck as much as I like mine.

 

[HBarlow]

Synthetic oils have never been recommended by Ram or Cummins or considered necessary. They are not approved during break-in for sure.

The current axles are still made by AAM, the same axles since 2003.

Welding or drilling holes is not recommended but is sometimes done on the sides of frame rails - the long dimension. Never on the top or narrow dimension.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

With the high tenstile stressed frame rails welding is a no no, I would reccomend a bolt in hitch that is made specifically for your truck after spending all that money on the purchase of a great vehicle why run the risk of damage over a few hundred dollars?

 

[EDankievitch]

There is nothing wrong with using synthetic oils I seem to remember that the 2013's are coming with synthetic as a factory fill. As long as the oil meets the factory Spec's all is good. The American axel's use the same lube that you used in your 04. I want to say that my rear's have a oil level mark stamped into the cover by the fill plug. Not sure if you have an auto transmission or not but the +4 transmission fluid is a synthetic blend. If you've got the G56 manual then you'll want to read the thread on the 3rd gen trucks about G56 gear lube.
Ok, that said... Enjoy your truck drive it normal, no long idle times and use the engine break all the time. If your able give it a good long run once a week to give the DPF a chance to clear it self out.

 

[mfurrh55]

There is not the required break in period like a gas engine, and synthetic oil is not an issue, I have always ran full synthetic oils in all my diesels and have not had any issues with it, of course i use Amsoil in them, Monte

 

[Road Dog]

Using a synthetic doesn't alter your oil change interval and your engine [probably] wont last longer either. A good oil filter is more important. The new engines suffer from fuel dilution and a synthetic won't help that either.

 

[RustyJC]

You'll be changing the oil based on fuel dilution and soot loading long before the additive package is depleted or the base stock degrades. Synthetic oil is frankly a waste of money on these 4th generation trucks given oil change frequencies - and, yes, I run synthetics in all my other vehicles except this one.



Rusty

 

[Ram67]

Thanks for the replies.

Dave

 

[RVTRKN]

Reese makes a clamp on style bracket and no drilling or welding involved. But that was for my 04. 5 (see sig) I was told by my dealer they had a certified welder that would weld the standard Reese brackets. A trailer supply company wanted to drill. I refused both knowing that would void warranty, and doing research found the clamp on brackets. But now that I aware of www.turnoverball.com B&W has the best setup IMHO. Be sure to check out the Companion fifth wheel.

 

[RVTRKN]

Dave, can you please fill out your sig.

 

[orhusky]

I agree with RVTRKN about the B&W with companion. I have been using mine for for 3 years and love it. Easy hitch and unhitch. Smooth. Secure. Made in the USA! What more can I say?

 

[sag2]

The factory fill on the diff is synthetic. There should be a fill mark on the cover about 3/4 below the fill plug. NEVER weld on one of the new high strength steel frames. Drive it and enjoy it. It is a great package, especially with the automatic.

 

[RVTRKN]

Oh, by the way, welcome to TDR!

 

[RustyJC]

But now that I aware of www.turnoverball.com B&W has the best setup IMHO. Be sure to check out the Companion fifth wheel.

+1 on the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch with B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch. I've bought a new Turnoverball gooseneck for each truck but have been using the same Companion 5th wheel hitch since 2001.



Rusty

 

[Animal]

Diesel Supplement pg 103 reads "Failure to use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil in ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) could result in severe engine damage".



All you need to know.