I am looking for a front / rear differential fluid recommendation and a transmission fluid recommendation. I have a 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 SXT, AWD, Auto Transmission. The manual calls for diff. fluid changes every 15k, this seems kind of excessive to me. It also calls for tranny fluid at 60k, that doesn’t seem like enough. Do I need a friction modifier on the diff. of tranny? Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

The service manual for your 2005 Durango does want you to change the axle fluids at 15,000 miles under schedule 'b' which is for extreme conditions. Schedule 'a' is more subdued,
FF

 

I have a 2003 Durango, and changed the diff fluids at 15,000 miles to get the factory fluid out and put in a good high quality fluid. RedLine. I recommend it. I have had no problems either. I use Mopar ATF+4 Trans fluid when I installed a shift kit in the 45RFE trans. There is a fluid for posi rear diffs, that I would call a Dodge Dealer to get the correct fluid additive for the year and options package for your Durango.

 

Alright, I just had mine changed at 35.000 miles (I was not follwoing schedule 'B') and my mechanic claims every 15.000 miles is excessive. JHere is the invoice for the job and is high due to the fact that there are no plugs to drain the fluid and have to open differentials:

SAE 75W-140W synthetic gear lube for the rear (3 quarts) $82.50
SAE 75W-90W regular gear lube for the front (2 quarts) $22.00

The labor was $57.60 for each axle for a grand total of $235.08
Now, I put about 12.00 miles a year on my Durango and now have an added expense,
FF