Cost to have the differential and transfer case oil changed.

RedDwg · Jul 24, 2023

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 with 6 speed manual. Independent shop just did transmission, transfer case and differentials for $416.00 including all parts, labor and taxes.

CarrollB · Jul 24, 2023

This past spring I had a local garage, that I trust, change all the driveline fluids. This included front and rear diff, trans case, transmission, and brakes. He flushed the transmission using one of the bladder machines so the torque converter was also flushed, with synthetic fluid. Total cost was just under $900.

Rod Powell · Jul 24, 2023

Aero320 said:
I have a 2020 1500 Ram with Hemi … it has been trouble free and has 67K miles. I was having the oil changed at a dealer last week and they suggested having the oil changed in the differentials and transfer case. The price they quoted me was $900. That seems high to me … what is a fair price for this service?

Just had my 2017 Laramie 4x4 done, front and rear differential and transfer case, 67,000 miles, done at a local shop.
Total was $450.00,including OEM Mopar fluids, and a tube of Shudder Fixx in the transmission.

16MaxSteelOutdoorsman · Jul 24, 2023

Just had both differentials and the transfer case done in Feb this year, I think it was $450.

farout75 · Jul 24, 2023

Aero320 said:
I have a 2020 1500 Ram with Hemi … it has been trouble free and has 67K miles. I was having the oil changed at a dealer last week and they suggested having the oil changed in the differentials and transfer case. The price they quoted me was $900. That seems high to me … what is a fair price for this service?

I has both axles transfer case and trans filter and fluid and it came to $1.200. Not at the dealer

2019RamInSC · Jul 25, 2023

I use 4 ramps. One for each wheel. Obviously. Put truck in 4 wheel LOW and slowly up the ramps. A spotter is helpful. High enough to change fluids. I use this method for oil changes also. Have fun. I always use synthetic fluids also.

jvbuttex · Jul 26, 2023

2019RamInSC said:
I use 4 ramps. One for each wheel. Obviously. Put truck in 4 wheel LOW and slowly up the ramps. A spotter is helpful. High enough to change fluids. I use this method for oil changes also. Have fun. I always use synthetic fluids also.

ha ha ha, you would laugh at me. I have sloped drive way, so i pull out of the driveway enough so the truck will level, leaves a nice big gap under it. Changed trans, diffs, TC & oil. pulled back in and swapped out the fuel filters. I think it was about $1200 for all fluids / filters. Mind you $450 alone was the new deep sump (w/drain plug) pan i added. Work is slow, so my labor is cheaper now.

TexasDrew · Aug 31, 2023

I have the 2019 Ram Classic 4x4 with Hemi 5.7 with 53,000 miles and wanted thoughts on using the Felpro reusable gasket and any advice on the procedure. When I take a tight turn from a stop the rear differential will occasionally make a slight groan. The dealer quoted me $350 to change the rear differential fluid, can't imagine the cost of including the transfer and front differential but if I extrapolate then probably $1,000+ ($350x3) plus tax. I have the extended factory warranty that goes 7 years and 125K, I want to protect and document so if something fails (my last Ram's differential/pinion bearing went out) there is a minimal hassle. I'm gong to probably change it myself and will first purchase the "official" service manual (https://diyrepairmanuals.com/produc...k-1500-classic-shop-service-repair-manual-cd/) and this reusable "FEL-PRO RDS 55073 Axle Hsg. Cover or Diff. Seal" gasket from Amazon, I've used the Spicer one on my last differential and it was great (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C2AMW...TDALIO9M&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it).

pacofortacos · Aug 31, 2023

You don't have to remove the cover to change the rear diff oil, just use the drain plug, check the oil for metal and if good put the drain plug back in and fill via the fill plug.

pacofortacos · Aug 31, 2023

TexasDrew said:
I have the 2019 Ram Classic 4x4 with Hemi 5.7 with 53,000 miles and wanted thoughts on using the Felpro reusable gasket and any advice on the procedure. When I take a tight turn from a stop the rear differential will occasionally make a slight groan. The dealer quoted me $350 to change the rear differential fluid, can't imagine the cost of including the transfer and front differential but if I extrapolate then probably $1,000+ ($350x3) plus tax. I have the extended factory warranty that goes 7 years and 125K, I want to protect and document so if something fails (my last Ram's differential/pinion bearing went out) there is a minimal hassle. I'm gong to probably change it myself and will first purchase the "official" service manual (https://diyrepairmanuals.com/produc...k-1500-classic-shop-service-repair-manual-cd/) and this reusable "FEL-PRO RDS 55073 Axle Hsg. Cover or Diff. Seal" gasket from Amazon, I've used the Spicer one on my last differential and it was great (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C2AMW...TDALIO9M&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it).

I would NOT do this if you want to keep your service contract intact with minimum hassle - they will instantly know that someone has been in the differential and probably deny coverage.
Either have a Ram dealer do it OR just drain and fill - removing the cover is an instant tell.
Just my opinion.

I would question their $350 and ask why it's so much for a drain and fill? There's no need to remove the cover for normal gear oil change. Now if there's an issue, then the cover has to come off and at that point, the $100 deductible would be a less expensive option.

For your groan, I would just drain and fill (I prefer Redline gear oil) OR get a bottle of the Mopar additive for rear limited slip differentials - if you have a rear limited slip and a groan when turning, either of the above usually will resolve it.

madtrucker2016 · Aug 31, 2023

You should tell the dealer I carry my soap on a rope no thanks.

AlliOop · Nov 26, 2024

Aero320 said:
I have a 2020 1500 Ram with Hemi … it has been trouble free and has 67K miles. I was having the oil changed at a dealer last week and they suggested having the oil changed in the differentials and transfer case. The price they quoted me was $900. That seems high to me … what is a fair price for this service?

November 24, 2024 - I had the dealer suggest this at 40,000 (mine is about to turn over to 40,000). He quoted $500-something. I am calling my trusted shop down the street and see what they charge - their rates always seem to be about 1/2 of what the dealer quotes are. I'll try to remember to post those when I find out.

PA Ram · Nov 26, 2024

HuskerRam said:
No. My local dealership charges about $180 for each diff and transfer case...so you're looking at under $600 everywhere else. Call your local, trusted garage and see what they charge. The service is so freaking easy that there's no reason to take it to a dealership. You can do it on your own for real cheap, but if you want someone else to deal with the mess, then take it to an independent shop. You'll still have record it was done and save a few bucks in the process.

Good to know, may do mine in the spring.

DILLIGAF · Nov 26, 2024

pacofortacos said:
You don't have to remove the cover to change the rear diff oil,

Unless you have X-Ray vison , Pulling the cover is a must if you actually care about your truck and want to inspect the components.

Heck I check B.L , Pinion Pre-Laod and run a gear pattern check when I change diff oil.

pacofortacos · Dec 13, 2024

You can remove the cover - and depending on how you use the truck it might be prudent to do so.

I change my gear oil every 2 years, it's never off road, is totally OEM and has no strange issues or noises - in this case, I don't see a reason to remove the cover for a normal oil change.

DanAR · Dec 13, 2024

Not sure how you can run a pinion pre-load check unless you are pulling the axles and ring gear (carrier) out of the rear first.

chri5k · Dec 13, 2024

GTyankee said:
2 weeks ago, i had Dodge do a Motor Oil & filter change
they also knew that i was about to drive coast to coast & return
I wanted them to please check the rear differential.
They said they always do, i told them that my records about 10 years ago, would show that they don't always check it. They bought me a rear differential.

They were surprised when the checked it, i was observing from a distance.
This differential, as well as the one that they replaced both have a dipstick to check the fluid level

Why A Magnet – Mag Hytec

I wouldn't put a flat back diff cover on anything. The OEM and some aftermarket covers have that curved shape to direct lube slung off the ring gear forward to the pinion bearing. The flat back covers just splash the lube all around with some of it reaching the pinion bearing. Extra fluid can hold more debris but it is quickly heat soaked so doesn't really help lower lube temperature.

GTyankee · Dec 13, 2024

The truth was, they never checked the oil level

They paid for the rear end rebuild

TRK_GANG74 · Dec 13, 2024

Aero320 said:
I have a 2020 1500 Ram with Hemi … it has been trouble free and has 67K miles. I was having the oil changed at a dealer last week and they suggested having the oil changed in the differentials and transfer case. The price they quoted me was $900. That seems high to me … what is a fair price for this service?

I did my own and it’s easier than an oil change. YT videos and 2 hours max if you have the correct tools already. Don’t let the dealer do it!

bcbouy · Dec 13, 2024

mine are covered under my extended warranty

Cost to have the differential and transfer case oil changed.

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