I'm at the 37,000 mi. oil change, and decided to go all synthetic from now on. I have always used Pennzoil, so I chose the Pennzoil platinum synthetic 5w30. I got the lubricant for the differentials also in synthetic. My Dakota has the limited slip rear end. It is the one your supposed to add the friction additive from Chrysler. My question is, being I am going synthetic, do you all think I still must use the additive in the rear differential ? One other question. I also want to go synthetic in the transmission. I called the local Dodge garage, and they want $149.99 for a change over, filter, and adjust bands. I called Scurro transmission, and they want $99.99 for a transmission flush and filter, and synthetic fluid. They say my 2004 automatic 5 speed doesn't require a band adjustment ??? Who is right, the dealer or Scurro ?

 

Most synthetic rear diff fluid know come with the addative in it so check the label. I am pretty sure that there are no bands in your transmission.

 

No bands in the 545RFE.
I usedMobil 1 gear oil in my rear LSD. No additive required. It said so right on the Mobil 1 container. No issues from not adding additive either.

 

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moe in wichita ks

get in touch with these guys. i have known them from the 60 s they are honest. 90% of ALL trans shops get parts from a & reds. they will know the answer to any question.
http://areds.com/
Contact: 1-800-835-1007
email orders: parts@areds.com

 

The additive isnt a bad thing. I use it. it's not too expensive.

 

honestly i think spending that kind of money on something like this is very unecessary. if you use a name brand oil and change it regularly these engines will last about a lifetime. same goes with the tranny and rear end. if you have money to burn, then go for it, but im betting you wont get any real noticable results over time except maybe a few more MPG's and maybe a couple thousand miles ofengine life,but over time you would spend hundreds more on just motor oil so it doesnt matter.