What gear lube for the 8.25"?
Champion
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 5
From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
Technically, the tech data calls for 80W-90. 75W-90 will cause no harm.
I think I've used 75W-140, but I'd just stay with 75W-90.
As far as brand, I personally would go with something like Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Royal Purple. But you really shouldn't have any problems with any other brand.
Remember that if you have a limited slip differential, to add friction modifier unless the fluid SPECIFICALLY states it has the modifier in it. (an easy way to know if you have limited slip differential is to jack the back of the truck up and spin one tire. If they BOTH spin the SAME way, you have limited slip. If they spin DIFFERENT ways, you have an open differential and do not need to worry about the additive)
I think I've used 75W-140, but I'd just stay with 75W-90.
As far as brand, I personally would go with something like Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Royal Purple. But you really shouldn't have any problems with any other brand.
Remember that if you have a limited slip differential, to add friction modifier unless the fluid SPECIFICALLY states it has the modifier in it. (an easy way to know if you have limited slip differential is to jack the back of the truck up and spin one tire. If they BOTH spin the SAME way, you have limited slip. If they spin DIFFERENT ways, you have an open differential and do not need to worry about the additive)
when i took mine apart there wasnt even a gasket in there. it was just anerobic sealer all the way around, but i put a gasket in it. it was like 3 bucks at auto zone.
Champion
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 5
From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
As per the 2001 service manual:
Lubricants should have MIL-C-2105C and API GL 5 quality specifications.
Front Axle (C205F, 7.562in): 80W-90
(They switched to the C205F from the 7-1/4" in 2000 I believe; the 7-1/4" was 80W-90 as well. The CV joint on the 7-1/4" is held to the axle with bolts about 5 or 6 of them, the CV joint on the C205F is actually slid into the axle)
Rear Axle: 8-1/4" gets 80W-90 and the 9-1/4" gets 75W-90.
It's noteworthy that in 2005 (Gen 3 Dakotas), the recommendations went to 75W-90 for the C205F, and Synthetic 75W-140 for both the 8-1/4" and 9-1/4" rears.
Lubricants should have MIL-C-2105C and API GL 5 quality specifications.
Front Axle (C205F, 7.562in): 80W-90
(They switched to the C205F from the 7-1/4" in 2000 I believe; the 7-1/4" was 80W-90 as well. The CV joint on the 7-1/4" is held to the axle with bolts about 5 or 6 of them, the CV joint on the C205F is actually slid into the axle)
Rear Axle: 8-1/4" gets 80W-90 and the 9-1/4" gets 75W-90.
It's noteworthy that in 2005 (Gen 3 Dakotas), the recommendations went to 75W-90 for the C205F, and Synthetic 75W-140 for both the 8-1/4" and 9-1/4" rears.
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All Star
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 955
Likes: 11
From: Upstate NY
Dodge Rules, I'm gonna quote you copy and paste that into my thread Fluid Capacities. It has all the fluid capacities of the Dakota but the dealer never gave me the what weight oil to use in the axles and it's a popular question. If you don't want to me quote you PM me and I'll remove it.