2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What Type Of Lubricants Should I Use In My Transmission And Axles?

[LSeverson]

I Have A 98. 5 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 Quad Cab 24 Valve 5 Speed 4. 10 Ratio Towing Package. I Was Wondering What The Lubricant Specifications Are For My Front Axle(dana 60 4. 10), Rear Axle(dana 80 4. 10 Limited Slip) And Transmission(5 Speed Manual). The Reason I Am Questioning My Lubricant Specs. Is My Manual Is Telling Me To Put Sae 90 In My Front Axle. I Know That Isn't Right. I Live In Northern Wisconsin Where The Climate Goes From One Extreme To Another And I Just Want To Have The Proper Gear Lubricants In My Truck. The Local Dealers Don't Seem To Be Able To Give A Definite Answer To My Lubricant Questions.

 

[lcoblentz]

In 2002, the front axles came filled with "thermally stable 80w-90" and the rear Dana 80 came filled with SAE 90. I recently changed mine and put in Valvoline 80w-90 in both the front and rear. You can also use a synthetic, and the owner's manual recommends a synthetic 80w-140 if you do alot of heavy towing. The NV4500 uses Castrol Syntorq fluid, tough to find locally for most people, but you can order it through various vendors that advertise through TDR. Standard Transmission comes to mind. However, in your signature, you indicate a 6 speed transmission. This transmission uses a different lube; Pennzoil Synchromesh (available at autozone, $5. 00/qt), or the Mopar lube from the dealer.



There are other fluids that seem to work fine, but *may* not meet warranty requirements.

 

[2-ND TIME]

oils

I use the synthetics ( can't spell it )For what I have read and talked to SAE and requested information I use Mobils oils. The engine 5w/40. Trans been covered. Transfer case the syn ATF. Front and rear ends 75w/90 and do use the limited slip additive there was a post or mention some time ago to use more additive in the rear dif and I have never had a problem with it not working on ice or muddy surfaces. Notice to the wash board on gravel roads from the r/ends grabing and releacing. At 160,000 KM's took the oil out of the rear end and it was only slightly brown and very little metal was very pleased. Have been using the syn grease as well. At -40 *C same for you guys in *F the syn gearlube was like room temp honey. The syn are about 8 to 9% better and take heat and cold better. For the engine change the filter a couple of times and just fill them up.

 

[Kirwin]

Dana 80 oil requirements

I recommend that you read your owners manual for trailer towing. Dana and Dodge recommend 75-140 synthetic for the rear differential for trailer towing with limited slip additive for your LSD. I've found that the rear differential can get pretty warm on trailer towing applications >220 F. The front differential doesn't see near the wear and the oil seems to remain cleaner for a much longer time.

The 6 speed uses the same oil as the NV 3500 (read this as the cheap stuff). The NV 4500 uses the special oil that costs nearly $25 a quart. Expect to pay around $20/quart for the 75-140 oil for the rear differential. This is not the same oil as the AAM axles use on the 03 and later Heavy Duty trucks. Not every dealer is up on this so you must stick by and insist on what you want/need. If you need part numbers for the MOPAR oils I can get those for you when I get home. Hope this helps Ken Irwin

 

[BKenny]

I serviced my D70 last weekend after checking the fluid it looked nasty. I just wanted to take care of it so i called the dealership parts department to check on the proper fluid and anti slip aditive . They recomended synthetic 75-140 and anti slip aditive i being my first sevice on this truck i did,nt know what to get . Any ways i went to the dealership and picked up 4 quats of oil two bottles of aditive and a tube of silicone $123. 06 later I will look elswere for my oil next Im sure theres some good advice here im all ears also i need to do the front soon

 

[2-ND TIME]

oils

Don't know where you get the $20. ++ price for the75/140 syn from but up here in the (GWN) MOBIL syn 75/90 is around $7. ++ liter for the 18. 89 /L pail.

 

[YOOPERVIC]

Red Line MTL and Gear Lube, both synthetics, have worked really well for me in my '01 2500. Available for a reasonable price at many auto parts stores.

 

[kschitoskey]

Check out the AMSOIL web site; very informative, even if you don't use their stuff. As far as the change-over, be prepared; to change the diffs, transfer case and transmission I wrote the local AMSOIL dealer a check for around $190. 00. Worth it though IMHO...

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Some may want to take a look at the Chevron Delo ESI line. I could go on and on, but am not interested in an oil war. I just drained the Lubrication Engineers LE607 out of my rear axle and replaced it with Delo ESI 85-140 with no limited slip additive. Did the cursory 85 figure eights with no chatter. Will be changing out the LE607 from the front axle to Delo ESI 80-90. Will let you all know later.

Chevron claims a film thickness 3-5 times that of conventional gear lubes, cooler temps, and better fuel economy (hey guys, we are talking small and over many miles, not 10-15 MPG). Meets Meritor, Mack, Eaton, etc. extended warranty requirements ( Hey, they come factory filled with Synthetics!). Look at there info for more. About half the price of syns and I have seen Class 8 axles and trans with 750K that looked brand new inside. I work for a distributor, not Chevron and am not an engineer. I just find it interesting that a lubricant can cost 1/2 of what the syns cost and perform as well.

I am trying it and will let you all know. If I save any money, I will probably spend it on beer! Please, no flames. I just know what I like.

 

[JFitzgerald]

Is there a specification I can look for on the container to make sure it's the right stuff for my 6-speed? I've changed lube in all the rest of the drivetrain, but need to get the trans done. Also, does the plug take a 17mm hex, or? Thanks.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Trans Lube

The only container that is approved for the six speed that I know of has Mopar on the label and their PN. You will find that number on the PTO covers on the trans. When I added the Fast Coolers I bought it at the local st****r and it was only $10. 50 a quart. Don't remember exactly now, but about 8 quarts sticks in my mind.



There are several other lubes that others are using with good results so far. Just do a search and you will find them. I am leaning very strongly toward using something else myself. The Texaco part number I recall was MTX 1874. There had been a few who had been able to buy it in pails, but just about the time that Chevron purchased them the supply seemed to dry up. I don't know if that has been corrected.



If you care about any warranty that may apply to the transmission use the Mopar stuff. If you are not concerned, do a search and pick what you think is best suited for you

 

[JFitzgerald]

Thanks for the info, Diesel Gunner. I am out of warranty at 136K, so I just want what's best for the trans. The trans is great, and I want to keep it that way. I've read about people using Red Line MTL, but there was some concern about it's viscosity for towing. I tow a few times a month, up to about 10K lbs.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

OK, now I have a bit more info on the Delo ESI gear lube performance.



Last weekend I made a run up to the mountains. I left in the early AM on Saturday with the OAT at about 70 degrees. Ran at a steady 60mph with the TT and the rear axle temp never got above 160 degrees, even when I pulled the hills. Made it all the way to camp at 7000' elevation not exceeding the 160 degrees. Total trip distance was about 120 miles.



When I made the return trip on Monday, I left camp at about 5pm and the OAT was 82 degrees. Noted nothing unusual all the way to the valley floor. Now, here the OAT was 101 degrees. Maintained the same 60 mph (by GPS) and my rear axle never exceeded 190 degrees. This was pleasing. Using the LE607 at these same conditions I would normally see temps in the 205 to 210 range.



Keep in mind that the Westach gauge is not graduated for extreme accuracy and I have made no corrections for ambient air temp with either of the lubricants. I have no qualms, however, stating that the 15 to 20 degree lower temps seen with the Delo ESI certainly indicate that it is doing a better job of keeping things slippery and cool back there. I also would recommend others try it. A bit more expensive than conventional gear lube and about half the price of synthetic! And, it is designed to be an extended drain interval lubricant. I could go on and on about how pleased I am but I will cease for now.



Feel free if you have any questions.