Diff oil change quote

[Jerry1984]

I'm rolling up on 30000, and the manual tells me I need to change the diff fluids. I called my normal dealer that I get my oil changes through and they quoted me 160 per axle. Is this as absurd as it seemed to me? These diffs have a drain plug if I recall correctly so why would it be that expensive or is that price in line with what it costs? I'm probably going to end up doing them myself so what are people using in the diffs? Brand and weight.
Thanks.

 

[jasonw]

For the first ever change, I would take off the cover and clean it out a bit. Should be some wear metals in there or a bit of sludge that won't necessarily come out with drain plug alone. Just my two cents.

I wouldn't do the front unless you use 4x4 all the time (like almost every day) or for long distances frequently.

$160 isn't terrible for a $tealership rate. However, for about half of that, you could buy three quarts of Amsoil, a new gasket, and a cheap wrench/socket for the bolts (assuming you don't already have a wrench/socket). I like doing that sort of maintenance myself. If you don't care for the fancy synthetic Amsoil gear oil, you can buy another brand, and take the cost of the project down even further.

 

[huntergreen]

dealer charges 200 per axle here.

 

[Jimmy68]

$320-$400 to change oil?
Five quarts of Amsoil 75w90 is $80.
So $240-$320 is an hour labour?
Hope you guy's are getting a reach around.

 

[big_red06]

I did my own change for around 90 dollars in fluid check this thread out it helped me a lot http://www.ramforum.com/f75/differential_oil_change-84221/ I don't have a limited slip dif and used Mobil 1 gear oil for front and rear differentials I also did my transfer case but needed to buy the mopar fluid because of the model of transfer case I have

 

[Jerry1984]

I don't use 4wd very often at all so will probably be okay just changing the rear. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Jimmy68]

Do the axles disconnect at the hubs on a 4th gen?
If not, you still have spider gears and such spinning every time you drive.
Therefore, just as many miles on the front oil as rear.

 

[Jerry1984]

True.
How much in each axle as well?

 

[autokraftgt]

The only reason I would ever change my diff fluids is if they started making noise.
Diff fluid barely breaks down at all. The only time in my entire life I changed diff fluid is when I changed ring & pinion in my drag car. And I would never pay someone to do it, especially a dealer. The dealer wants you to check out the shiny new Ram trucks while you wait for them to do their servicing to your truck. The servicing intervals these days is comical....the manufacturers know what they're doing, and it aint protecting your differential(s)

 

[Hootbro]

The only reason I would ever change my diff fluids is if they started making noise.
Diff fluid barely breaks down at all. The only time in my entire life I changed diff fluid is when I changed ring & pinion in my drag car. And I would never pay someone to do it, especially a dealer. The dealer wants you to check out the shiny new Ram trucks while you wait for them to do their servicing to your truck. The servicing intervals these days is comical....the manufacturers know what they're doing, and it aint protecting your differential(s)

I do not totally agree with this but know where you are coming from. I have heard from more than a few seasoned mechanics that differential fluid changes only benefit the next owner. Unless you haul/tow or plan on driving it to 300K miles, most owners can get by not changing the diff fluid for their average length of ownership.

 

[Jerry1984]

Well I do tow and I also have the lifetime extended warranty so trying to keep up with the manual required maintenance. I agree it's probably not necessary but want things to be covered.

 

[7777xm]

Every ram 1500 I've owned, 07, 08, 2010, and my 2014 ALL have had new rear ends put in. My 2014 just had one at 36000 miles. Very minimal towing.

I'd replace the fluid on schedule.



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[Jimmy68]

But also how many vehicles have been on the road with the same gear oil they left the factory with 30-40 years ago or more.

 

[kevperro]

Every ram 1500 I've owned, 07, 08, 2010, and my 2014 ALL have had new rear ends put in. My 2014 just had one at 36000 miles. Very minimal towing.

I'd replace the fluid on schedule.



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I think if I had bought that many rear-ends I'd be buying a Chevy.

 

[7777xm]

I think if I had bought that many rear-ends I'd be buying a Chevy.

If I had to buy them, I probably would have by now LOL. Although the G80 is not a cheap rear either.

Fortunately they have all been warrantied.

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[Rick29]

2014 Ram 2500 6.7 tows a 9000 lb camper less than 10 times over the last 2 years no further than 300 miles round trip. I too was under the misconception that the differential fluid in there should last forever because growing up we never changed it in any truck we had granted we traded regularly. But with that being said I skipped the 15000 mile mark and hit the 32,000 mile mark and decided I should at least get the so called break in fluid out... the oil in there was not a good color of black it is black coal black lol if you tow occasionally or tow I am now a firm believer in changing it according to the recommendations of the axle maker. I will change it again at 45000 and see what she looks like then hopefully more of a honey color and not the coal black I had this time. But as far as paying someone to do it? its simple lossen a few bolts and she pours right out......

 

[misuracaf10]

Finding a local shop to do it might be much cheaper... I found a little oil change shop with guys that I feel comfortable with and they charge me 26.50 for my front diff, and I'm sure the rear would be 25-30 they were saying. I also provided my own Redline Fluid


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[Hans Gruber]

Where are you guys getting this 15,000 recommended interval? My 2015 manual says 20,000 and doesn't require changing fluids EVER unless you use for frequent towing, off-roading, or in a fleet (then it requires at 20k intervals).

 

[Casper]

I'm rolling up on 30000, and the manual tells me I need to change the diff fluids. I called my normal dealer that I get my oil changes through and they quoted me 160 per axle. Is this as absurd as it seemed to me? These diffs have a drain plug if I recall correctly so why would it be that expensive or is that price in line with what it costs? I'm probably going to end up doing them myself so what are people using in the diffs? Brand and weight.
Thanks.

I'm looking at my intervals for a 2012 and is says "inspect the transfer case fluid"
at 32K. It does not say replace it.
At 48K is says to inspect front and rear axle fluid.--again inspect not mandatory replacement--replacement only for police, taxi, off-road and frequent towing.

I suppose 2014 could be different, but make sure you aren't getting hustled by a service manager trying to make a buck at your expense.

 

[Jmhm17]

its the same for 2014, it actualy says at 20,000 Miles:

"Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing, change axle fluid."

Then at 30,000 Miles it says:

"Inspect transfer case fluid."


I have 32K miles, and I have done none of this......