Differential oil (and modifier?) for 01 Ram 2wd

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Mopar~Man

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Ram Year
2001
Engine
5.2
I'm pretty sure my 01 Ram has limited slip (it was ordered with LSD when I bought it) and the rear tires do tend to chirp when turning corners, so assuming that it is LSD - the oil has never been changed and I've not checked the level ever. The truck has about 40k miles on it. 2-WD, automatic trans, 5.2L engine.

I figure I'll drop a hose into the case and pull out the old stuff (I really don't want to take the cover off). I don't suspect anything wrong with it, no strange noises or anything like that.

I'd rather stay with conventional oil and not synthetic. So am I looking at 80W90 gear oil? And what about this friction modifier additive? Is there any diff oil with this additive already in it? And how much oil? 1 liter?

If the truck is on level ground, will the oil drain from the axle tubes or should I raise the sides to drain them?

Bonus question: This is not a 4WD truck - so there is no transfer case or gear box at the transmission that has it's own oil sump - yes?
 

dudeman2009

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2001 1500 Sport with enough electrical modifications to make my brain hurt
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Magnum 360
80W-90 weight oil is proper, you can use either conventional or synthetic on the light duty differentials, which is what you have. You do need a friction modifier, I don't know if there are premixed options for sure, but i'm sure there are given their popularity.

Personally, i'd drop the cover both to inspect the innards as well as remove the sludge and thick debris at the bottom that won't be sucked up.

All you need is some rtv to put it back on. No gaskets here.
 

dapepper9

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2001
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5.9L V8
+1 but myself I'd go with the other factory suggested weight of 75w140. But i beat the hell out of my truck too lol. Can't remember the exact amount of additive that goes in for the LSD trucks
 

BBartow

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I would pull the cover anyway. You would know the shape of your diff and whether you have lsd or not.

80W-90 is for normal conditions and 75W-140 for towing or offroad use. 4.5 pints of oil and 4oz of modifier. 5/8" below fill plug so it doesn't seep.
 
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