Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Which lubricants?

[JDunmyer]

I have an '01 w/6-speed, 2WD, and am thinking of changing the lubricants in both the rear axle and the transmission. What's the recommendations from the experts here? The manual says that periodic changes aren't necessary, but I like to see new oil installed every now and then. The truck has about 62,000 miles on it, and we're getting ready to drive it to Alaska from SE Michigan, pulling our travel trailer.



I did try the search function and came up empty-handed.



Anything else I should check before the big trip? Based on recommendations in another forum, I did the fuel pump relocation and installed an AirTex pump from AutoZone. Also have the 'A' pillar gauges. Am taking spare filters along.

 

[PatrickHansen]

Differential fluids should be changed after the first 5,000 miles to remove the effects of break-in. After that first change, should be changed every 50-100,000 miles based upon use; 50,000 if used for heavy towing, for example. I run synthetic in the weight recommended in the owner's manual. Synthetic costs a bit more but is more heat-stable and flows better at cold temperatures.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I have had good luck with either royal purple syn or redline synthetic in my Dana 80 rear and dana 60 front. pending on how much your towing how heavy your towing etc. etc. everyone is going to tell you different on changing cycles. I go once a year on my rear end. I dont tow much. both of above mentioned fluids have your limited slip additive already in the fluid. Im assuming you have a limited slip. drain clean your cover prep surface for silicone scoop out as much as you can of the old oil. dont use a rag that is going to leave alot of debris. I usually change mine and then find a spot do some figure 8 turns to get the fluid to the outer parts of the axle. as far as the 6-speed I use redline MTL for this drain this on the driverside PTO cover again scoop out the most you can clean the magnet you should find just inside the cover. the fill port for the transmission is on the same side can be more messy than tricky get a pump to put the fluid in. or alot of people will take apart your stick shift tower and put fluid in the top. alot quicker and less messy but the first time can be frustrating just due to taking it apart the first time. I have a filter that Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage sells that goes on the passenger side PTO cover and allows alittle more fluid and it does collect alot of the small brass particles from the syncros in the transmission. I usually change my transmission once a year. I noticed a bigger difference on easier shifting with the redline MTL. everyone is going to have a different oil pro and con. hope this helps

 

[SHobbs]

I have used Royal Purple every year since the truck was new. Puts me at 25-30k miles for every change.

 

[Midnite]

If you haven't changed your serpentine belt before, that would be a very good spare to have. Check your water pump too--when it starts to die it'll weep coolant out of a hole in the bottom.

Mike