I have an 05 with almost 15,000 miles and the handbook says that I have to take it in for service. Do you guys change the differential oil at the said intervals? My father in law has never changed the diff in his f-150 and no problems. Need advice, thanks.

 

I would service the diffs every 15k, Its cheap insurance and its something you could do
yourself.

 

Just did mine at 15k mi. The front fluid was full of iron and definitely needed changing. The rear had much less suspended iron partly due to the magnet that the front diff lacks. This is without towing and only a few heavy loads. I only engaged 4WD in snow/ice conditions for any driving more than a few miles and once every 3-4 months for a mile or 2 just to make sure the transfer case gets lubed. Given, the problems some folks have with rear diffs, I'd change the oil to verify nothing is damaged--no large pieces of metail--and to keep the warranty in effect.

This is about a 2hour DIY job at a leisurely pace. Takes about 2 qts 75W-90 up front and 4.5 qts of 75W-140 in the back. I use synthetic--Valvoline and recently trying Royal Purple. And, you'll need Axle-RTV (the red stuff) and a 13mm socket and wrench.

Roger...

 

Yes, I would highly recommend it. I just got mine out of the shop after having the gear set and bearings replaced. I have a 04 1500
with 3.92, 17,400 miles . I was doubtful about changing the gear oil so early, but after reading a few threads on this site I decided to change it. Low and behold I found some metal pieces on the bottom, brought it in and had it fixed under warranty. So please do it or have it done.

 

YES YES YES!!!

With the limited skip differential you need to change it every 15,000 miles otherwise your warranty will be voided. I'm speaking from experience as a friend of mine had his rear end go out. Dodge wouldn't cover it because he didn't change the fluid and he had only 39,000 miles on it.

It uses synthetic and you also have to add an additive which can purchased at your Dodge dealer for around 7 bucks. What I do is buy the additive, usually a couple to keep one on hand and then take my truck to a lube shop like Quick Lube, etc. I give them the additive and have them use Mobil One fluid. As long as the Mil spec matches it's fine plus doing it this way saves me over 100 dollars vs. the dealership.

Ford and Chevy are both designed to have theirs changed at 100,000 miles but they use a different rear-end.

Also you’ll have to change your plugs at 30,000 miles and you plugs and ignition wires at 60,000! Dodge doesn’t use platinum plugs in the HEMI and there’s 16 plugs, not 8.

I mentioned in an earlier thread the HEMI is one great engine but it’s very high-maintenance compared to Ford or Chevy for preventative maintence.

Follow your owner's manual advise!

H.H.

 

2 hour job? 30 minutes if you take your time.

 

Just hit 15K on mine, gonna do the rear axle and engine oil tomorrow.

 

Many synthethics, in the 75W-140 grade already claim to contain limited slip additive so additional stuff shouldn't be necessary. Valvoline 75W-140 and RoyalPurple 75W-90 and 75W-140 all claim limited slip additive is already been included. I thought Mobil 1 75W-140 also has LS additive. Amsoil also claims LS additive should not be needed. For some reason, though, Mopar's synthethic 75W-140 needs the additive, go figure. I just fill with Royal Purple and nothing else. No problems.

Roger...

PS. 2hours. Yes I really took my time. Waited for the RTV to cure for an hour before filling. It was a good excuse for lunch...

 

mine is going into chrysler for this tommorow actually...having front and rear changed..........i was told 2-3hours, and the cost will be $250.00 CDN plus tax

i was told by them that the rear is syentheic while the front is regular gear oil.......the guy didnt seem too sure about it though...anyone know? (05 Ram 1500)

 

Do it yourself bro. Don't let the Stealership take your money. If you use Amsoil , it already has the modifier for the Anti Spin Diff in it. No need to buy any extra. Then you can put a little more mod money into your truck. I am waiting for my 15K mile interval to istall a chrome Diff cover I got from Ebay.