Hey guys. Just got another Dodge, a 2003 1500 4x4 w/5.9L. The oil change guys found the diff oil was black as coal, didnt look like alot of metal though. NO noise or bad sounds that I can tell.

I've requested a build sheet but no response yet. Looked in the glove and no sticker.

Do I have an LSD diff? What weight do I use on the rear? Will Mobile 1 with LS additive be ok?

Also, I've been reading up on the c-clip problems all night. If I find one but the diff is still working right, will it be ok?

Thanks guys

 

Changing the differential fluids I think is by far the single most neglected maintenance with people. We had us a guy on here probably a year ago who had a Ram with over 140k miles on it and the rear end went out - acknowledged he never changed the fluid and still bashed Dodge so bad over it that I had to take away his membership.

Obviously, once you have the differential open you can look to see if there is an LSD in there, but if you want to get your fluids in advance, get a synthetic with the additive in it just to cover you. However, you may find if you do have a LSD, you'll have to add additional modifier. Some do not while others report that the diff still will bind a tad without some added...

 

Ok got the sheet. Yeah I agree it IS definately the most neglected area.

Got the build sheet in. Its a Corp. 9.25" Anti-slip w/3.55.

What is the proper weight and type for this rear? I know about the synthetic gl-5 but can I use the 140wt?

 

Dont know about your manual, but mine tells which weights and specs to put in it. It just doesnt say capacities.

 

The 5.9 was an option in 03? I thought they dropped it in 02...

 

I dont have a manual or internet here. Everything i can get is from my phone, and it wont download pdf files. This sucks. I gotta replace the fluid in there but need to know the rear fluid weight

 

Where are you going to buy the fluid? Gonna get that on your phone too? Any box auto parts store can look up the weight and capacity for you.

 

Very early '03s had it, it's a red-headed step-child...

 

Cool, Thanks for clearing that up.

 

HemiGreg, the parts stores here don't know their heads from their asses. I stopped by all 3 and each looked it up with different answers. Im not some helpless newb, and I trust the guys here more than any store.

I now know that my Ram takes gl-5 rated synthetic 75-140 LS.

I found all the above except in 75-90, Im not gonna be towing anything this week, and thats how long it'll take them to get my 75-140.

Will 75-90 be ok for now?