Differentials

[Sparty96]

I believe my 2016 1500 says to change the diff fluids every 35k miles. I have already changed it once while it was under warranty. I dont recall which axle, but one of them uses fluid you can only get at the dealer as its an oddball, like 85w-140. Stores carry 85w-130 etc. Anyway, is anyone else still using the dealer stuff, and doing it every 35k, or once warranty is out are you using something else and different frequency? Also, both have drain plugs so i didnt pull covers the last time. Should i do that this time? I wont do it until after Thanksgiving, so if i do it then with the weather getting cold will the rtv seal? I dont have a heated garage. Thanks for input.

Ps the transfer case fluid is also 35k and is dealer only as its borg warner stuff. Any thoughts on that?

 

[kurek]

I wouldn't sweat the diffs, unless you are working the truck really hard (frequent heavy towing) they aren't under a lot of stress and you can run any equivalent oil. I like Mobil synthetic for diffs strictly because it's the least smelly gear oil - I know that's a strange consideration but it's probably perfectly good at its job in the diff too.

Just drain and fill is fine you don't need to pull the cover unless you actually suspect a mechanical problem. The rear diff will require lsd additive or inherently lsd compatible lube if you have the factory anti-spin diff.

If you have the auto-4wd transfer case it needs the Mopar fluid. Clutch materials and calibration are picky and if it slips or chatters it may not last as long.

 

[MidwestJ]

Amsoil severe gear brother.

 

[Octane]

I believe my 2016 1500 says to change the diff fluids every 35k miles. I have already changed it once while it was under warranty. I dont recall which axle, but one of them uses fluid you can only get at the dealer as its an oddball, like 85w-140. Stores carry 85w-130 etc. Anyway, is anyone else still using the dealer stuff, and doing it every 35k, or once warranty is out are you using something else and different frequency? Also, both have drain plugs so i didnt pull covers the last time. Should i do that this time? I wont do it until after Thanksgiving, so if i do it then with the weather getting cold will the rtv seal? I dont have a heated garage. Thanks for input.

Ps the transfer case fluid is also 35k and is dealer only as its borg warner stuff. Any thoughts on that?

IAround Atlanta anyway the Walmarts usually have the 140 stuff also.And the auto parts.Never saw any 130 diff fluid but there would not be enough difference to matter.I change my diff at 40k intervals

 

[QwikKota]

I don't see it anywhere in my 2015 manual where it says to change the diff fluid. 35k is really early, most factory lubes are synthetic now. You will be fine to wait until warms up. Close to spec but off by 5W or so is not a big deal. The manual says Mopar fluid is recommended but not required.

 

[Sparty96]

Its saying the front uses 75w-85. All i find is 75w-90. Its 40k not 35k. I knew it was in that area though.

 

[ScLeCo]

I changed ALL driveline fluids including the transmission fluid and filter at 30k and replaced with oem synthetic. Will probably wait 40k till the next change though.

 

[ram1500rsm]

You'll only need the factory juice in the TC if you have the BW 44-44, if you have the 44-45 any ATF-4 will do the job.
I'll do them every 30-40k miles.
This is what i did last, zero issues and i do offroad the truck every other weekend, i also have the factory LSD and 3.92 gears. Truck has around 82k miles

Transfer case BW 44-45, STP ATF-4, $6.99 each, bought 2 bottles, used around 1.5 quarts, used a small 3/8 extension to manipulate the drain/fill plugs
Front Diff- Valvoline SynPower 75w90, $12.99 each, bought 2 bottles, used around 1.5quarts, used 8mm hex bit for the plugs
Rear Diff Valvoline SynPower 75w140, $12.99 each bought 3 bottles, used around 2.5quarts, used a 14mm hex bit socket to manipulate the drain plug

 

[QwikKota]

Its saying the front uses 75w-85. All i find is 75w-90. Its 40k not 35k. I knew it was in that area though.

That won't matter. Even the 4Runner people run regular 75W-90 and they are some picky sumbitches.

I downloaded the 2016 OM and all I see is to change rear diff fluid at 30k if used for severe duty. I don't see where it says to change it during regular duty.

 

[indept]

I looked out to 150k miles and no mention of difs unless you do excessive towing or commercial duty

 

[Jrod]

My 16 sport service plan says to inspect difs every 35k miles, but to replace by 60k. It goes on to say to replace every 35k if you frequently tow or off-road. I'm running 3.92's w/LSD. I'm at 55k and about to service both difs and TC in the next couple of weeks. The rear dif calls for 75w-140 with 5oz of LSD additive. The front dif calls for 75w-85. My TC is BW44-44.