I just bought an 06 1500 Mega Cab with LSD (the differential, not the drug; well I haven't pulled the door panels yet so you never know!) Anyway, the previous owner had put Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90 in it which doesn't normally require additional additive. That is what is currently in it and without any extra additive.

After driving a while at highway speeds and the entering a residential area with tight turns, when accelerating from a stop I get a feeling like the LSD is slipping then grabbing repeatedly and quickly until I straighten out. I would expect it to be much smoother feeling.

My concern is this: Looking in the manual and this post https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...nce-specs.html , it seems I shouldn't need the additive but of course the truck acts like I do.

The 1500 line, which the truck is labeled as, shows I need SAE 75W-140 + the additive. However the 1500 Mega Cab has the differential off the 2500/3500 line (10.5 AA) which show the chemicals I currently have.

I read in another thread that the additive won't hurt if used where not needed so I am looking to put more additive in it. I'm just not sure how much to use since it is already in the lube. Would I still try 4oz?

I have been a Mega Cab owner for about 24 hours now. Any thoughts, info, suggestions, or am I on the right track here?

 

The 1500 mega cab is really a 2500..1500 Rams require the LTD slip aditive, not the 2500 hemi axles.. as a a 2500 owner, I some times whish I had LSD in my system to deal with owning a 2500 Ram..

 

Thanks, I never saw there was a response to this post before now. Up until now I have left it as is but I think I am going to change the lubricant to be safe. I have been feeling the grabbing when starting from a stop and turning at the same time (like turning right at a stop sign). I am going to use what is stated in the service manual and see how things go from there. I will also remove the cover and take a look inside for any obvious problems.

If I still have issues after all this I am going include the additive and see how that works. I will report back after a while on how this turns out.

 

See if the axle is a Dana 60 or a Chrysler 9.25. I don't remember what axles were under them.

 

If you need to know what axle you have you can PM me your vin and email address and I will send you a build sheet.

 

I do have the build sheet already but would love it if you can provide access to what the codes actually mean. For instance I know mine is a 10.5 AA but don't know if it is the EL version or not. My build sheet shows (DRWS 10.50 Rear Axle / DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle) what do DRWS & DSA actually mean and is there a key available to decipher this in the future?

Here is my dilemma:
1. Owners Manual page 486 shows 1500 Rear Axles get SAE 75W-140 plus additive.
2. My truck is a 1500 but on a 2500 chassis and that shows SAE 75W-90 with no additive at all.
3. Shop manual page 0-7 shows both 10.5 rear axles require SAE 75W-90 then a note at the bottom says "Trac-Lok differentials require limited slip additive in the lubricant. Track-Rite / Track-Rite EL differentials DO NOT require limited slip additive."

I don't know for sure if I have a Trac-Lok or Track-Rite differential since I can't find any other reference to that but think the EL stands for electric lock and mine doesn't have any wires going to it that I see. My best guess is I have the 10.5 AA Track-Rite (non-EL) and shouldn't need the additive but would love to have confirmation on that and a key for the codes on my build sheet.

Thanks

 

The owners manual is correct. No additive is required. Not sure why the shop manual says what it says. Also, I agree with the statement about the additive not hurting if you use it when not required.

As far as the sales codes go there is nothing really to decipher. Each standard/optional feature on the vehicle is describe by a sales code. These sales codes are used when the vehicle is ordered/built to determine what options are to be put on the vehicle at the factory. If you received a build sheet it should typically have the sales code on the left with a short description of what that sales code is directly after. You ask what does DSA mean above. It means the vehicle was equipped from the factory with a anti spin differential. As far as EL goes, that means electric lock which was in such vehicles as the Power Wagon.

 

My take on it. Follow advice above and change your lubricant that way you know for sure what's in it and do a good visual while you are in there. Then you will have peace of mind knowing it was done right, correct fluid, and inspected.

My 1500 had similar situation, but I could turn real slow and hard and hear a grinding type or rubbing noise with window down coming from the rear end...under warranty. So trip to the dealer. Had a problem with the clutch packs, which they fixed. Sorry I can't be more specific.

 

Thanks for all the responses; I am going with GL-5 SAE, 75W-90 and no LS additive after removing the cover to inspect. I won't be able to do it for about a week due to work and other commitments but will report back after it is done.

DodgeCares - I don't really think the shop manual is wrong, it just shows the type of lubricant and then the additive is determined by Trac-Lok versus Trac-Rite. The only issue is I don't know which one the 10.5 AA is but obviously combined with all the info I would say it is the Trac-Rite. I was kind of hoping you could confirm this though.

 

You have the Trac-Rite.