I'm a neglecftful owner :(

[Phylodog]

I bought my 2018 2500 CTD in November 2018 and now have 41k miles on it. I keep a busy schedule with lots of travel and I neglected to stay up on the scheduled maintenance as far as the differentials go. I need to change the fluid in both but I'm finding conflicting info on what I need to do the job. I bought 8 quarts of 75w-90 gear oil and now I'm trying to find out which gaskets I need to put the covers back on. I pulled up a build sheet which states that I have the 11.5" rear axle, anti-spin differential rear axle and standard differential front axle.

I need to locate replacement gaskets (unless the OEM are reusable?) and I'm finding inconsistent info on what I actually need. I'm also not sure if I need the friction additive. I'm still learning as I go on a lot of this stuff so I could use a little guidance on this if anyone wouldn't mind helping out with some info.

 

[dale197338]

Well for one option you can use rtv for the diff covers.

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[Phylodog]

Well for one option you can use rtv for the diff covers.

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I know some guys can pull that off but RTV/caulking and I don't get along. If I tried it I'd be covered in the stiff from my fingertips to my eyebrows in a matter of minutes.

 

[dale197338]

I know some guys can pull that off but RTV/caulking and I don't get along. If I tried it I'd be covered in the stiff from my fingertips to my eyebrows in a matter of minutes.

Lol yes it can be a messy job

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[2003F350]

The trick to putting down a good bead of RTV or silicone is twofold.

First, you have to cut the nozzle at a small angle and have as small of an opening as possible. The bigger the opening, the harder the flow is to control.

Second, you can't go fast. Slow and steady wins the race here. The last time I did a differential cover, it took me better than 2 minutes to go around the entire thing.

You're going to get it on your fingers, no questions asked. You can get around it with a decent set of vinyl or latex gloves, but you might as well count on at least a little getting on you.

 

[Senodil]

I reused my originals, truck only had 22K on it but since I bought it with 19 I wanted to make sure all was good. Next time I will change the cover over to one that has drain & fill plugs so I will not have to pull it again hopefully.

 

[EastWestHemi]

Gaskets are reusable, I’ve done both front and back. No friction modifier needed.

the big debate is always,

75w-90 vs 75w85

I’m a 75w90 truck since my 2016 owners manual states it in the chassis portion of the “gas” section. The chassis portion of the diesel section states 75w85. Not sure why their is that discrepancy, both trucks must use the same chassis components.

 

[Phylodog]

Thank you gentlemen. I took a chance and pulled the rear cover off and found the gasket was in great shape so I reused it. I was surprised at how good the gear lube looked in the rear considering I've gone way over the recommended interval. Now on to the front....

 

[crazy jerry]

never under any circumstance put rtv on your covers. thats what hacks do. gaskets are reusable many times. likely theyll outlast the rest of the truck.

 

[68PowerWagon]

never under any circumstance put rtv on your covers. thats what hacks do. gaskets are reusable many times. likely theyll outlast the rest of the truck.

I must be a hack then. I re-used the gasket & put a very thin layer of the black RTV (compatible with oil) on. If nothing else it helped keep the gasket in place while I got the first few bolts in.

 

[crazy jerry]

why stop there. should of put red loctite on all the bolts

 

[Rav3ncroft]

why stop there. should of put red loctite on all the bolts

Now you're just being crazy... jerry. [emoji1787][emoji23]

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[RodeoRam]

@Phylodog, I am curious where you found that you need to change your diff oil?

The only thing I see in the 2018 owner's manual is at 20k mile intervals, "If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing, change axle fluid."

And 75W-90 is for the 1500 rear axle.



Oddly enough, there is no mention of when to change the fluid if you do not meet the mentioned criteria. Since I don't off-road and only tow one week out of the year, I'll probably do mine at 60k.

 

[Phylodog]

I tow a horse trailer and 18+4 car hauler with my tractor on it pretty regularly. I don't do any hardcore offroading but my truck is no stranger to dirt & bumps. I had it up on the sand dunes in Silver Lake, MI a couple of weeks back as well and she got a workout.

 

[EastWestHemi]

Here the 75w90 from the 2016 manual for 2500/3500

75w140 for 1500. What year did the make the switch? 2017?

 

[CYSTemrebel]

I see lots here do their own work. I have neither the time nor the expertise and merely defer to my next door neighbor who is a licenced mechanic with decades of experience and knowledge. If I could not do that I would take it to a place five miles away to get things fixed.

 

[David F]

Go to your parts store and pick up a tube or container of "Right Stuff" - gasket maker/sealer . very expensive but will seal the metal, no leaks, no mess. Works even if the pan or seal has been tweaked just a bit.

 

[Bigblue2]

You could always use stuff meant for that.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-03618-Adhesive-Remover-oz/dp/B000BQYA7W

 

[chri5k]

Yes you are neglectful owner. I am reporting you to PETR (People for the Ethical Treatment of RAM's). You can avoid this fate by immediately sending your RAM 2500 to a loving home such as mine. Here it will get regular maintenance, including regular diff fluid changes, using premium products done by the thoughtful loving hands of an experienced RAM 2500 owner. Please think of the RAM's

 

[RodeoRam]

Anyone know what the torque should be on the diff cover bolts? I've found no info in my owner's or Haynes manuals. I don't want to be the Charles Atlas on the assembly line who puts on the oil filters and snap a bolt on my only vehicle, but I don't want the bolt vibrating loose, either.

My search results found anywhere from hand tight with a 1/4" ratchet to 25-32 lb/ft. Well, hand tight depends on the hand and arm and shoulder.

Since it is my only vehicle, I just want to verify that the gaskets, front and rear, are reusable? It's a long walk to the parts store after finding out I need one.

Is blue Loctite suggested, too?

Thanks.