Differential & Transfer Fluid Change Intervals

[CRS1968]

Took 2023 Ram 1500 Limited 4WD in for oil change and tire rotation. 3.21 gears and open rear diff, I believe. Around 43,000 miles, almost all highway driving. Very little towing and no off-roading. Dealership recommends front & rear differential and transfer case fluid changes. All I can find in owners manual is to check at 60,000 miles. Dealership wants $600 for these services. Should fluids need to be changed at 43,000 miles and is this quoted price in the range of reasonableness. Not a mechanic but this seems like unnecessary upselling to me. Your thoughts?

 

[Burla]

Yes they should be done at 40k miles, however they are very easy dyi items. Like 3 quarts front, 4 quarts back, 3 quarts tc, and you will have extra that is like a quart over I do believe each item. 10 quarts at around 20 bucks a quart, the most it would cost dyi is 200. just remove top transfer case nut first, diffs don't matter. Valvoline pouches are 13 bucks at Napa my favorite part store, so even cheaper, no pump needed. There are really easy dyi items, ramps make it even easier.

 

[joesstripclub]

Yes they should be done at 40k miles, however they are very easy dyi items. Like 3 quarts front, 4 quarts back, 3 quarts tc, and you will have extra that is like a quart over I do believe each item. 10 quarts at around 20 bucks a quart, the most it would cost dyi is 200. just remove top transfer case nut first, diffs don't matter. Valvoline pouches are 13 bucks at Napa my favorite part store, so even cheaper, no pump needed. There are really easy dyi items, ramps make it even easier.

I commented on the other thread OP made, but I think the diff capacities are in pints, so half that amount.

 

[DILLIGAF]

WTF are those prices. 600$+ for diff and T-case oil change.

Tech must be behind on his strap-on payments.

 

[Fruitgrower3428]

22 Big Horn, prior to 40,000 miles took in for diffs and transfer case fluid exchange. When I got the bill, $575 I told the service guy, this must have been a mistake. He confirmed it wasn't, the fluid whether it needs to be is specific and very expensive, and it was time consuming. Something that should have taken 45-60 minutes took much longer. Never going back. I do my own engine and oil filter changes for less than half what the dealer would charge.

 

[Lloyd33]

I change mine once a year, regardless of mileage. But then, I live in an area where it gets down to -40°F in the Winter, the nearest town is 50 miles away, and we usually measure snowfall in feet, not inches. So 4WD (along with some sort of limited slip diff or locking diff in back AND front) isn't just a convenience feature, its 10,000% necessary.. along with engine block heaters, grill covers, and a ton of other things, but I digress.. As far as your differential fluid, your mileage may vary. Literally. Change it at the scheduled interval. Or sooner if you tow a giant boat around, or the fluid looks (or smells) horrible.

But that bill from the dealership is the real crime here!! That is straight up INSANE!! If you truly can't DIY it (the differentials really are simple to do.. the transfer case can be a bit of a pain), find a local small shop / trusted business. Or the kid next door who's always working on his truck. Or his older brother that was a mechanic in the Army. ANYBODY but that dealership!!

It should be like $100 to $150 for good, high quality fluids (guesstimating) and about an hour of labor. Or 2 hours if you're old like me.
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[commander]

Just out of curiosity, why does the clock spring need to be replaced? Did they remove the steering wheel to check it? or is your SRS light on?

JT

 

[CRS1968]

Just out of curiosity, why does the clock spring need to be replaced? Did they remove the steering wheel to check it? or is your SRS light on?

JT

Left turn signal does not return to neutral on any thing less than a full 90 degree turn.

 

[Roadkingwes]

you should change your diff fluid and your transfer case fluid if you have 4x4 at 40,000 to 60,000 miles to prevent oxidation, and don't go by the once a year thing, that's just silly and lazy, both are really eazy to do, the stealership is a ripoff, if you can't do it yourself take it to a reputable shop or a friend, and by the way gear oil stinks whether it's fresh out of the bottle or it has 100,000 miles on it.