Change diff and t-case fluids?

Just crossed 50k kms and had a look to see if anything is recommended and I was surprised to see how long the interval is for changing the t-case fluid, and I don't even see a mileage for diff fluid changes??

What's the consensus here? Go by the book? Or more frequently?

I don't tow, it's a highway queen.

Fluids are cheap, changing diff fluid is super simple. Haven't tackled the transfer case yet though, my previous experience is that it's pretty simple drain and refill. I do it early and often to avoid any premature wear and tear.

Every 30k miles for both, if you have both. I'm 4x2 so only do rear diff.

Fluids are much better synthetics now days, they don't break down. I follow the owners manual recommendations just to maintain the warranty. I don't have extra time to fool with changing oil and detailing the truck

There are two sets of schedules there, severe usage for running a taxi service, towing often, dusty or water fording environments. Then the average Joe who rarely uses the truck as a truck schedule.

There is more damage done by human mistakes changing the fluid than extending the change duration. Putting the wrong oil in or forgetting to fill can be hard on gears

I try and do it around 60k-70k. Its a little early, some say, since I don't tow, but I'd rather do it early than too late.

Differentials are easy on the newer ZF axles, drain plug is there. Older axles didn't have them. I took my cover on the rear off any, make sure the LSD was in good shape (and it was, no pieces on the bottom of the housing). That takes a lot more effort to clean off the factory RTV gasket. Not hard, just time consuming.

Used Amsoil severe gear oil, 75w90 for the front axle and 75w140 for the rear, just like the manual states.

Doing the transfer case soon, before the snow flies. Autozone actually has a sale on Valvoline automatic transmission fluid, and their full synthetic transfer case fluid is classified as automatic transmission fluid. Four quarts (doing the wife's transfer case too) for $5 each (regularly $9). Good reports from other Ram owners on forums who've used it for a while, as well as Amsoil's signature automatic transmission fluid.

MyOhFive said:

Just crossed 50k kms and had a look to see if anything is recommended and I was surprised to see how long the interval is for changing the t-case fluid, and I don't even see a mileage for diff fluid changes??



What's the consensus here? Go by the book? Or more frequently?



I don't tow, it's a highway queen.

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Get Redline and do about once every 100k

smiley3303 said:

Get Redline and do about once every 100k

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Does it depend on how often 4wd is used ?

huntergreen said:

Does it depend on how often 4wd is used ?

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I have found that the front does get pretty dirty even though I don’t use the 4wd all summer. I bought a 5 gallon bucket of Redline 75w-140 and I find the stuff to be top of the line. I used to do it every 30- 50k but since having more kids I find it harder to get stuff done and I am confident 100k would be fine in both axles. I am not loyal to Redline for all fluids but when I tried it and didn’t need any friction modifier I was hooked.