Nick's new Ram 2500

[Tuesdak]

Dang, Mopar fuel filters cost more than a complete oil/fuel filter change on my '01.

As our AZ fuel is laced with BioDiesel, fuel has changed... Regardless it's about time an OEM put some real diesel fuel filters and water separators on pickups. The Diesel Engine reliability reputation has suffered serious harm from sub standard filters. OEM's have cut this corner too much too often in the past and put their cost cutting on YOU for BAD FUEL in the owner's manual.

I'd rather complain about fuel filter cost than B&^%$ about injection system replacement cost, ins claims for that, etc with the known dirty wet American diesel fuel.

I asked a Western States Petroleum if I could get red diesel delivered for a generator that did NOT have any Bio in it: "No..."

 

[NIsaacs]

Changed out the rear axle fluid today, 703 miles, with 75w/140 Valvoline synthetic. My first use of synthetic. The oil was a little brown already, it started out clear then turned dark towards the bottom.

 

[Topzide]

@NIsaacs , Nice rig you treated yourself too! You'll need to update your signature line to include new truck. Filter prices have gone up but when you do average cost vs mileage intervals, not that far out of line for most vehicles. I look around for deals or specials and have well ahead of time to do on my time and not be behind the eight ball! Toy's are just more expensive as we get older! But what the H$#L, you only walk the earth once! (As far as I know). Glad to see your already taking care of that truck!

 

[JR]

#thick lube matters#


That reminds me, I need to get around to doing my front diff. Hasn't been changed in 100k or so.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Good call getting rid of the OE lube!!!!!!!!!

 

[NIsaacs]

Good call getting rid of the OE lube!!!!!!!!!

I remember well, you and others talking about the first oil change and how nasty it looked. What bugs me, is the short recommended change intervals for towing, 20k miles, that's nuts. Pretty sure all the hot shot guys are not changing oil every 2-3 months. I have always used 36k for my current vehicles, running conventional oil. I would like to go longer than that with synthetic. Even for me, 20k is less than a year.

I will probably change this first oil at 20k so I can observe it, but after that....

 

[gsbrockman]

A lot of the discoloration most see with a first differential fluid change is (IMO) a lot of use of assembly lube for the new differential. It cleans up a lot after each subsequent differential fluid change.

 

[SnoKing]

A lot of the discoloration most see with a first differential fluid change is (IMO) a lot of use of assembly lube for the new differential. It cleans up a lot after each subsequent differential fluid change.

If that is the case, Ron's must have had a pint or more of it in from the factory. When he and I did my first change to fluid did not look that bad at all.

 

[Wiredawg]

When purchasing new truck, first thing I do is order 2 to 6 of every filter from Genos Garage and whatever necessary accessories... radiator and intercooler guards, quick grill removal kit, etc.

There are sometimes better prices, but never better customer service.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Tuesdak]

I will probably change this first oil at 20k so I can observe it, but after that....

Do a UOA on it and decide from there if you need 20K or longer oil changes. I would do a UOA without changing the oil.

I buy a 10 Pack and I recall like $11 each sample. About $4 postage to send in. Prices may have changed as this was a couple years ago and I am due for another 10 pack.

http://laboneinc.com/

 

[bcbender]

Wow, I did not think I'd need to worry about changing the rear axle lube that soon, I am leaving for ID in 2 weeks towing 16k, (~5000mi round trip) should I swap it out?
I have a case of AMSoil severe gear 75W90 that I didn't get around to doing on the 04 prior to parting ways.

 

[AH64ID]

Wow, I did not think I'd need to worry about changing the rear axle lube that soon, I am leaving for ID in 2 weeks towing 16k, (~5000mi round trip) should I swap it out?
I have a case of AMSoil severe gear 75W90 that I didn't get around to doing on the 04 prior to parting ways.

How many miles are on it now?

I changed mine at 15K and it was done, I probably should have changed it closer to 10K.

I use the Amsoil SVG 75W90 too. According to AAM 75W90 is all that's needed unless someone runs over GCWR thru Death Valley on a regular basis.

 

[Tuesdak]

unless someone runs over GCWR thru Death Valley on a regular basis.

It's really not much hotter there than it is here. So this may apply to @NIsaacs

 

[bcbender]

IM at 6200 now, likely be around 6500 when I leave to that'll put me around 11ish when I get back. going out 70 up to SD, then across to West yellowstone for a week, then down through ID, UT, NM and back on 40.

 

[AH64ID]

IM at 6200 now, likely be around 6500 when I leave to that'll put me around 11ish when I get back. going out 70 up to SD, then across to West yellowstone for a week, then down through ID, UT, NM and back on 40.

You should be fine to leave it, but you're also past break-in so changing won't hurt either. Basically it depends on what you have time for.

 

[NIsaacs]

Wow, I did not think I'd need to worry about changing the rear axle lube that soon, I am leaving for ID in 2 weeks towing 16k, (~5000mi round trip) should I swap it out?
I have a case of AMSoil severe gear 75W90 that I didn't get around to doing on the 04 prior to parting ways.

That is totally up to you. My changing early, is, I don't want to tow (heavy) with the oem oil and I am ready to haul. This has nothing to do with Ram recommendations, just my personal preference.

But...Why does Ram recommend 20k oil changes if you tow? Reading between the lines...tells me Ram is unsure about the quality of their oil...again, just opinion

I started with a Cummins truck in 1990 and 85w/140, changed at 36k. Then two more Cummins trucks, same oil, no issues at all with rear axle failures.

The only difference between those three trucks and my new one, is, it gets synthetic

 

[AH64ID]

But...Why does Ram recommend 20k oil changes if you tow? Reading between the lines...tells me Ram is unsure about the quality of their oil...again, just opinion

It is pretty short life for gear lube...but if you don't tow it doesn't have a scheduled change.

The only difference between those three trucks and my new one, is, it gets synthetic

Also all new axles

 

[NIsaacs]

It is pretty short life for gear lube...but if you don't tow it doesn't have a scheduled change.

Or Cops or emergency vehicles

Dodge/Ram has always had some goofy schedules. My '91 and '01 no transmission oil changes, that's nuts. Most people are pretty good about engine and auto oil changes, but ignore the axles and t-case. I was pretty much that way back in the day too I might do overkill, but I tend to keep my stuff forever.

 

[AH64ID]

My '91 and '01 no transmission oil changes, that's nuts.

My wifes 4Runner is the same way... and it calls for the same spec fluid as the Aisin in these trucks that have a 30K mile OCI.

Most people are pretty good about engine and auto oil changes, but ignore the axles and t-case. I was pretty much that way back in the day too I might do overkill, but I tend to keep my stuff forever.

Power steering and brake fluid are probably equally neglected.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I had mine tested at 24k. YES way too long but I was looking at Kilometers. Had Blackstone test it, results were NOT good.