rear end fluid

[p-Bar]

I don't know if this will start a war but I am ready to change fluid in my dually. Do I use an oil that has additive? Reading on another site I copied this
"(03-001-20 ) and it recommends a complete fluid change of the differential using SAE 75W-85 HD Ram GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant. The sales code for this differential is "DSA".

 

[sag2]

If you are talking about limited slip additive the answer is no. There are no clutches in your differential. But some report that they have better results with limited slip additive. Can't verify that it helps, there is no additive from the factory. Might be kind of like those that have changed the oil brand or type and reported better oil pressure.

 

[p-Bar]

Thanks Sag always trust your opinion.

 

[AH64ID]

I used Amsoil in my 05 and 18 without any additive, as the manual says not to, and never had any issues.

On my 22 I use the same Amsoil and also don’t have an additive since Amsoil says it’s usually not needed. 1600 miles on their fluid, with lots of tight winding roads, and no chatter from the clutch style LSD in the 19+ trucks.

This fluid has been good to me in all the rigs I’ve ran it in.

 

[Ozymandias]

As it is often quite difficult to source a synthetic oil without additives (who uses that stuff nowadays) I switched to a decent Valvoline with additives and with no adverse side effects.

The point is - our differential is safe to use without additives, it does not destroy the internals like in a limited slip application. But sure you can use it with additives as it doesn't harm anything but there are also no benefits from the package.

 

[p-Bar]

Thanks guys. How many quarts ? Pop the cover or suck it out?

 

[Ozymandias]

Pop the cover, has a reusable seal. 5 quarts around.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 15 Dually is EXACTLY 4 quarts with the aluminum OE cover. I assume the 18 would be the same.

Pop the cover let drain overnight and wipe clean.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I got the lowest operating temperatures with either Mobil 1 or Valvoline synthetic, 75-140 since the Ram is mostly used for towing.

 

[p-Bar]

thanks 12v98, and Ozy I'll buy 5 don't want to test Murphy's law , Joseph that is interesting using the heavier stuff.

 

[Cummins12V98]

thanks 12v98, and Ozy I'll buy 5 don't want to test Murphy's law , Joseph that is interesting using the heavier stuff.

I run 75-110 AMZ/OIL Severe Gear. Teeth look great every drain and i tow much heavier than most at over 35k combined at least half my miles.

 

[AH64ID]

I called AAM many years ago about fluid use in the 11.5” axle and they said that it was designed to run 75w-90 at all GCWR’s, but that if one ran at max GCWR thru Death Valley on a regular basis then 75w-140 wouldn’t be a bad idea. So not much benefit to it, in their opinion.

The current 12.0” axle uses 75w-140 in DRW applications, but the GCWR and engine torque are a bit higher than what the 11.5/11.8 ever saw.

 

[p-Bar]

so what axle does my 18 dually have?

 

[AH64ID]

so what axle does my 18 dually have?

AAM 11.8"

 

[Turbo Terry]

So I had my differential gear oil changed at 3000 miles to Amsoil severe duty . l haul heavy (3000) lbs in the summer months slide in truck camper. Now at 24 months and 20 k miles. When should this be changed again? Don’t forget my warranty

 

[AH64ID]

So I had my differential gear oil changed at 3000 miles to Amsoil severe duty . l haul heavy (3000) lbs in the summer months slide in truck camper. Now at 24 months and 20 k miles. When should this be changed again? Don’t forget my warranty

 

[Turbo Terry]

I have no leakage so am I severe duty. I suppose I am . So I will have it changed next fall 36 months about 27 k miles I should be fine I think.

 

[GSP7]

Clean the top of the cover where the gasket is in-between housing before pulling the cover.

Keeps any dirt/sand/crap trapped there from falling down on your ring and carrier when you pull the cover off.

.

 

[Ozymandias]

What a waste of Ressources to throw that almost mint Oil away.. that's barely broken in.
As you can see in the schedule there is NO planned replacement for standard duty, not even at 240'000 Miles, it says inspect the OUTSIDE for leaks and check level IF it leaks - it's a Lifetime fill, not even the level is checked on a regular basis. So on a standard truck, that diff won't be opened for 20 years or so.
Your truck isn't severe duty if it comes to the axle for carrying a small Camper for 2 Months a year - ask @Cummins12V98 what severe duty means.

 

[GSP7]

I changed the rear axle oil on my 2005 3500 with Valveline synthetic. Glad I did.
New, Clean oil is better than old, old, overheated oil with worn off metal particles in it.

I save my used gear oil and use it as bar lube in my chain saws

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