30,000 mile service

[hdman]

I just hit 30,000 miles on my truck. My local dealer wants $550 for a 30k service. Just wondering, what really should be done at 30k? I want to do what I can myself. Thanks.

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[WingViper]

I had the same questions myself when I hit my 30k mark. I did the oil myself, probably gonna change the spark plugs to NGK plugs. as for the Tranny work, the toughest part I think is going to be the two filters in the system. The most expensive part being all that d@mn Dodge specialized tranny fluid you got to buy directly from Dodge. Inspect the brakelines yourself, not hard, doubt they have any damage. Rear axle fluid? If they are talking about the differential, then you can probably do that yourself too. Oil, obviously you can handle that. Air cleaner...self explanatory and doable. PCV valve? probably not needed to replace but its like a $9 part anyways if I remember correctly. They'll charge you $65 for labor though. It seems like you can DO most of it, depending on your level of grease tolerance. Easy stuff = plugs, oil, brake line inspection. Lil more in-depth = PCV valve. Couple beers = Rear Diff fluid, tranny filter.
I was gonna do the tranny and diff myself, but i had Dodge do the diff so if they inspected it and found anything wrong, the warranty would fix it. As for the tranny, I'm having a shop on base just drop the pan, and replace the filters, I'll do the flushing myself.

Hope this helps. I'm no Uber-mechanic or expert but its my take.

[HemiBuell]

You asked what really should be done? Most importantly is to get that tranny fluid changed. Keeping transmission fluid fresh makes trannys last a long time. Especially since Dodge doesn't have the best reputation with there transmissions.

[mill500]

I did everything myself except the trans. Took a whole weekend, though (OK, I really wasn't pushing it too hard). Just follow your manual--the stuff Viper lists is about it, but include the transfer case if you have 4wd. The spark plugs are much easier on a non-Hemi. The Hemi plugs (16) just take some time and a couple of swivels and extensions. Use some anti-sieze on the threads, and dielectric grease on the tips and it'll make it a lot easier next time. I've read some discussions about flushing the radiator as well, which I suppose doesn't hurt anything, but I didn't find anything in my manual about it unless I missed something.

The differentials are easy enough, just messy. Make sure you clean out the bottom of them---there may be some sludge you don't want left in there. Driving some first helps that. Use some good RTV sealer in a nice, even bead and go around each bolt hole and you'll be fine. Anybody with 4wd and skid plates, they'll have to come off to get to the front diff and the transfer case. Also don't forget the friction modifier in the rear if you have limited slip.

Viper's also right about the trans fluid. Check your manual to seel what they want. If it's ATF+4, the only place to find it is the dealer. AutoZone, etc has "Chrysler" trans fluid, but it's +3 and shouldn't be used where +4 is specified...apparently the +4 is designed to absorb more heat than +3.

Have fun and make sure to not forget the hand cleaner when buying your stuff.

[YeahItsAHemi345]

The guy at Autozone said Hemi's don't have a PCV valve...If we have one where the hell is it? I know it's part of the vacuum line...on my dad's Maxima it took like 2 minutes to change aand only cost 5 bucks. Can sombody post a pic?

[WingViper]

Ask and ye shall recieve...

First off, I'm flattered to be referenced in one of mill's emails and not have "idiot" follow shortly thereafter. [sm=hail.gif]

Second, having nothing to do, I headed outside with the camera to find my PCV valve. Here's what I got. Located (from standing on your front bumper) its just to the left of the big metal throttle body/intake right under the plastic cover of the hood. Its located under a twist off cap. I was able to twist it, but not pull it and I didn't feel like breaking anything tonight so I left sleeping dogs lie.

Second pic is what I pulled out of the service manual.

Hey, mill, did you change the filters in the tranny too? How hard was that?

[mill500]

Nope, didn't do the trans myself. The discussions about needing to get the fluid out of the torque converver as well scared me off.

[YeahItsAHemi345]

Well, I hit the 30 grand marker...I took my rig in yesterday. I'm getting the trany filter and fluid changed, oil and filter changed and the rear axle fluid changed for a grand total of 350 clams. And I don't have to get dirty...that's priceless! The spark plug were enough fun...

[Dodgegal1500]

My dealership told me they wanted $1000 for the 30,000 maint. but then they told me they would be nice and bring it to ONLY $900....WOW! This seems a little crazy. :-)

[dirtydog]

$550 that's all???

really at 30kmi......but no one does them all..
Brake fluid flush
power steering flush
coolant flush
Front diff
rear diff
transfercase
transmission(if you tow, otherwise 50kmi is fine)
Spark plugs are every 30kmi
check/replace Serp belt, PCV valve.
That covers everything.