Hey everybody,

I'm getting ready to change the rear axle fluid on my '05 1500. Anything to watch for when doing this or is it a pretty straightforward job? Thanks!

 

Yes it is a very straight forward job.
Just remove the 12 bolts that hold the cover and drain the fluid into a container and dispose of properly.
If your rear axle has the Limited slip diffential it is very wise to pay special attention to the clutch pack retainer clips.
In the picture attached you can see what they are and where they are.

After checking for these clips it,s just cleaning the differential on the inside and checking the magnet for metal parts and close her up again .
Clean the cover and the diffential housing and apply a small bead of RTV (3-4 mm) on the diffential cover and close the cover.
Tighten cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.).

Good luck

 

well for some reason i can not get the picture attached
Here is a link from another forum
just change **** in to talk

http://www.dodge****.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206735

 

75w-140 synthetic fluid. Let the RTV dry for at least an hour before you put the new fluid in. If it is LSD, four ounces or so of additive is necessary. It is WAY easier (and less messy) than a tranny fluid swap.

 

Thanks for this responses! Much appreciated! Is it really necessay to torque to 30 lbs? I've been told to just get them tight.

 

I thought it was 105 in/lbs, like the tranny pan. Never mind, 30 ft/lbs is right, at least for an '03

 

To do it the right way you torque the bolts.... but no it is not completely necessary to tighten the bolts to 30 ft lbs. Just tighten them evenly and in a criss-cross pattern. Just don't break the bolts and get them tight and apply enough sealer and you'll be good. Its not like your torquing a cylinder head or anything.

 

I agree with the cross pattern but even though you should, Ive never taken our my torque wrench for the rear end or my trans pan. However, I did use new grade 5 or 8 bolts in the trans pan because I know they are weak and a lot of buys snap the heads off easily.