I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L V8 Quad Cab 4x2. 45000+ miles dealer tells me it's time to change the differential fluid. I would like to do it myself but have never even attempted to before on any of my other vehicles. Can someone tell me what's the best brand of oil to use (I hear Royal Purple), what kind to buy, best method, etc. Pretty everything there is to know Any help is appreciated!

 

My 04 Ram is due as well.


I've only done it once before, on my 04 Dakota, but I only did the rear. it's pretty simple, I used Royal purple for that truck.


Pop rubber cover off, start unbolting the cover, loosen, but leave the top 2 bolts in, remove all others. Take a screwdriver and pry the lower part of the cover off the housing, and let it drain into a catch pan. Remove cover and do some inpecting, and get as much as the old stuff out as you can. Clean the housing and cover of it's gasket, I RVT'ed mine back on, and seal it back up, pour a little in, check for leaks. It's also important to try and not bend the cover with the screwdriver.....if you do you need to get it back straight!

Fill to specs and you're done with the rear. I have never done a front, i'm sure someone will come along shortly who has. Wish they had a drain on them, would make it much easier!

 

Welcome to DF, MrWelder. I will move this thread to the 3rd gen Ram section, the best place for it, and get you some more help.

 

theres a DIY in the FAQ section
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...-tutorial.html

 

I use RP in mine as well as my trans and engine.

B-radial covered everything else

 

It's really easy, I have never done it before, but tried it on mine a while ago, and it's really just as simple as removing some bolts, and making sure the cover is sealed well when you put it back on.

 

do ya all think the RP is worth it? i used RP on my toyota and never noticed a difference. Iv seen oil analyses for RP and its a great oil but looses its viscosity rather quickly compared to other oils. id prob go with another gear oil next time

 

I take it the front is pretty similar?



I used RP in the rear of my old truck, worked fine for the short time before I sold it and upgraded. Speaking of, is an 04 Ram 1500 75w90 front and 75w140 rear?


My Dakota didn't run the thicker stuff int he rear, but I didn't tow with it much, this one I plan on it next year

 

I cant justify how you guys run RP in your trucks IDK what it is around you guys but at autozone here its $19.99 per bottle of gear lube. That just really doesn't seem worth it at all to me. Is this stuff really really worth that much extra?

 

Just the initial cost of RP is what is hard to manage. What is $20 a bottle times 3 bottles every 30k miles or so?