Just a word of advice for those of you who are going to change your diff oil. I went to my normal auto parts store looking for the 75W 140 synthetic that the ram requires and they didn't have that particular type. So I figured I'd go to the dealer and just get it there, since I was picking up a set of plugs too.

Guy at the parts counter says are you sure you want this stuff, its pretty expensive. $30 a quart for the mopar stuff. He suggested I go over to Napa instead. I don't normally buy anything at Napa, but they did have it (Valvoline Syn Power) and $13 a quart was a heck of a lot better price.

The permatex like stuff that they use on the diff cover from the factory is kind of odd. It's some sort of non hardening sealer - removes easily with a dry scrubby sponge. Took about an hour and saved almost $100 off what the dealer wanted to charge.

 

what mileage are you doing your plugs and diff changes at

 

Mobil One makes full synthetic 75W140. You can get that under $15 at many auto parts places and maybe even Wal-Mart.

Mopar is odd on their pricing for lubricants. For some standard things, like this 75W140 gear oil, they are way too expensive. But I needed NV245/249 specific lube for the transfer case on my Grand Cherokee and only the dealer sells it so I went to buy it there... it was something like $13/quart. I was floored that it wasn't $30/qt.

Rob

 

I've got just over 30K on the truck right now. Dealer mentioned that my diff fluid should be changed when I had it in at around 26K. The gear oil was fairly dirty looking when I changed it today.

 

im probably a year away. but. should i do the front diff, transfer case, and rear diff at the same time? (about 30k?)

also, what type of gaskets are used for all three ?

thanks

 

The owners manual lists the maint intervals. Basically they say to check the diff every 18K and replace it if you tow a lot or it looks dirty.

Rear diff just uses a permatex like substance, I used Ultra Black when I resealed mine. I assume the front is the same (I've got a 2wd). Tcase is ususally just a drain and fill plug but not 100% sure since I don't have one.

 

Yeah I don't tow, go off road, drive on dirt roads etc. But I'll prob swap em out at about 24k-30k just because. I want to keep this truck for a LNG time

 

Wow I have a year and almost a half and well only 11000kms I am glad we don't drive much these trucks are high maintenance beotch's