Rear end

[RonVpr]

How many of you have changed your rear end gear fluid? I am thinking about changing it because my 98 Ram diesel broke its axel about 120,000. Very expensive repair that was never right again (vibration). So I'm thinking of changing the fluid and putting a Mag-hytec aluminum cover on. Any suggestions on fluids and covers would be greatly appreciated. I now have a 04 Ram 2500 6 sp.

 

[amsoilman]

How many of you have changed your rear end gear fluid? I am thinking about changing it because my 98 Ram diesel broke its axel about 120,000. Very expensive repair that was never right again (vibration). So I'm thinking of changing the fluid and putting a Mag-hytec aluminum cover on. Any suggestions on fluids and covers would be greatly appreciated. I now have a 04 Ram 2500 6 sp.

I changed mine out around 8,000 miles and installed the "Mag-hytec" cover and installed the Amsoil 75W-90 "Severe gear". NOw have 67,000.



Wayne

 

[pwr2tow]

Mobil synthetic 75-90 from your local auto parts store. Lower cost and readably available.

 

[CPittman]

Certainly not going to hurt anything by changing, so git-r-done... A little peace of mind goes a long way.



I've got 150,000 on my '04 now and I've changed both diffs twice now. I'm running the Amsoil 75w-90 Severe Gear too.

 

[Bertram65]

Mobil synthetic 75-90 from your local auto parts store. Lower cost and readably available.

Same here with the Mobil synthetic, I also have a PML rear cover which makes changing it easier and it has an accurate fill hole just like the factory, unlike the some of the other aftermarket covers that are available.

 

[RonVpr]

Has anyone had any problems with the magnetic plug coming out? Somehow that part worries me.

 

[steved]

Same here with the Mobil synthetic, I also have a PML rear cover which makes changing it easier and it has an accurate fill hole just like the factory, unlike the some of the other aftermarket covers that are available.

FWIW, I burnt a batch of Mobile 1 75w90 in under 25k in my truck... it drained brown and had the consistency close to that of water...



Been running Royal Purple 85w140 for the past 40k with zero issues...



steved

 

[CookJ]

Although I've checked the oil level and condition every 10K, I've changed the rear end fluid only three times, at 20K, 80K and 120K. I now have 125K on the truck. Almost considered not changing it this last time because of how good it looked; didn't see a whole lot of metal fines on the plug either. Next oil change, I'm considering going with the Royal Purple.

 

[roperteacher]

I too have the PML and I switched over to the AMSOIL 75/110 because I tow in hot weather. SO far so good!

 

[RAlberg]

Has anyone had any problems with the magnetic plug coming out? Somehow that part worries me.

I installed the mag... differential cover this week. I was impressed with the quality and fit. I can't imagine it being a problem if correctly tightened.

 

[WUnderwood]

I have PML covers on both diffs, gaskets are re-usable, and I run Royal Purple full synthetic, no problems whatsoever.

you can put RTV silicone on the drainplug to seal it, if you are worried about it backing out

hope this helps

 

[RonVpr]

Thanks for the info. Helps out a lot

 

[RonVpr]

One more question, Installing the Mag Hytec on a 04 with a Hellwig rear sway bar. Do I need an adapter kit for the sway to go around the additional height of the cover?

 

[JValdez]

I have PML covers on both diffs and I'm using Amsoil 75/90 all the way around and have no problems at all. I used a little RTV on all the plugs and no leaks or problems.

 

[RonVpr]

Installed both front and rear covers about a month a go. Great fit and finish. No problems. Thanks for all of the replies. I have Mobil synthetic in it now. I couldn't find Amsoil or Royal Purple around my house. Maybe next time.

 

[JCleary]

I changed fluids on my '03 at 15k IIRC. I had a binding/vibe from the rear while accelarating from a stop around a turn. It was especially bad with a trailer. 2k later or so I switched from Mopar fluid to Amsoil, hoping that it would cure the binding I had while going around turns.



For whatever reason, the Amsoil fixed the problem. No more metal on the drain plug magnet, either. This was at 30k and 45k when I changed fluids again.

 

[JGheen]

I changed my factory fluid out @ 1820 miles and installed the Mag Hytec covers front and rear. Used the Mobil 1 75/90. However, I strongly disagree with the factory service change interval of 15K miles as I just recently did my first change by the book and was very disappointed to find the fluid looking as good as new. Didn't think it would look bad, it was just painful for the wallet as that stuff is almost $10 per quart on top of running close to double the housing capacity with the Mag covers. :{ Going to let the next interval go for at least 30K. Gotta love Mobil 1.



Joe

 

[steved]

I changed my factory fluid out @ 1820 miles and installed the Mag Hytec covers front and rear. Used the Mobil 1 75/90. However, I strongly disagree with the factory service change interval of 15K miles as I just recently did my first change by the book and was very disappointed to find the fluid looking as good as new. Didn't think it would look bad, it was just painful for the wallet as that stuff is almost $10 per quart on top of running close to double the housing capacity with the Mag covers. :{ Going to let the next interval go for at least 30K. Gotta love Mobil 1.



Joe

I've got around 65k on the RP 85w140 (almost 30k on this OCI), and the magnet is quite clean when I look at it... the RP hasn't even lost its purple color since I have installed the aluminum ORU cover.



I'm going 100k OCIs on the differentials, but I don't tow often, or heavy. Mine does see several hundred mile stints that are non-stop once in a while (my trips to NM and back)... that seems to affect the fluid more than short trips.



I don't agree with the 15k OCI either... I think it is excessive and wasteful.



steved

 

[Smokin Joes 2500]

I changed my factory fluid out @ 1820 miles and installed the Mag Hytec covers front and rear. Used the Mobil 1 75/90. However, I strongly disagree with the factory service change interval of 15K miles as I just recently did my first change by the book and was very disappointed to find the fluid looking as good as new. Didn't think it would look bad, it was just painful for the wallet as that stuff is almost $10 per quart on top of running close to double the housing capacity with the Mag covers. :{ Going to let the next interval go for at least 30K. Gotta love Mobil 1.



Joe

Yeah, I run the 75w-140 (towing reasons) its 14. 99-15. 99 a quart. Consider yourself lucky

 

[dan.poitras]

I run Amsoil 75w140 in both diffs. Change the oils once a year.

I drilled and tapped the bottom of both diffs 1/8 NPT and installed primary case drain plugs from a harley. They are torx heads with a magnet on the end. The oil is drained when hot after a run (as it should be) and no issue with draining them (not too thick to drain out the bottom).

Done this to several other trucks with no issues. Saved lots of money over an expensive aluminum cover that would rot off in our salt calcium covered roads up here.