Issues finding what differential I have. 2014 - Tradesman - 2wd - 3.6L

[Mlaw1990]

If this is in the wrong subforum I am sorry.

I looked at a ton of posts on here with links to lookup vins for window sticker and build sheets. NONE of them work for my vin.

I just need to know what diff I have and if it is limited slip or not so I can change my fluid.

VIN- 1C6RR6FG6ES285861

If anyone can help please let me know, I was advised it is most likely 75-140 and to buy Full Syn with anti slip as it wont hurt it even if its a standard diff.

If you need any more info from me please let me know.

I appreciate the help in advanced.

 

[Dredger]

I'll leave the reading up to you

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-lookup/1C6RR6FG6ES285861

 

[Mlaw1990]

I'll leave the reading up to you

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-lookup/1C6RR6FG6ES285861

Thank you but this is all I see (Make);DMC: 3.21 Rear Axle Ratio;DRN: 245MM REAR AXLE;DSA: Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle;ERB: 3.6L V6 24V VVT

This doesn't really clarify to me which diff it is. Maybe I am missing something.

 

[Mlaw1990]

This is what I am seeing for model numbers?

 

[Different Drummer]

Dredgers link leads to information that indicates 3.6 V6, 3.21 rear axle ratio, limited slip rear axle.

 

[Mlaw1990]

Dredgers link leads to information that indicates 3.6 V6, 3.21 rear axle ration, limited slip rear axle.

I understand that but there were multiple models in 3.21 rear axle ration, I just want to make sure that 75w-140 is what I need. What confuses me more is if you jack up the rear and put it in neutral one tire spins forward the other backward and when driving burnout gravel snow only one tire seems to actually spin I though that was Standard not posi/limted slip. I just don't want to put the wrong stuff in it is all.

 

[crash68]

I was advised it is most likely 75-140 and to buy Full Syn with anti slip as it wont hurt it even if its a standard diff.

^^^ I'll second this advice. Having the friction modifiers for an LSD won't hurt if you don't have one.
If you're not towing heavy you can get away with using 75W90 in rear differential. A former Dodge dealership mechanic told me all they're axle fluid services were done with the same 75W90 gear lube that had the friction modifier already in it

 

[EdGs]

Anti-spin means limited slip, AFAIK.

 

[Mlaw1990]

Anti-spin means limited slip, AFAIK.

I have a chevy with a Posi (limited slip) rear end, Both tires spin at the same time. This truck does not do that, I am a bit confused about that. Can anyone chime in on how a Anti-Spin Ram should act?

 

[Mlaw1990]

^^^ I'll second this advice. Having the friction modifiers for an LSD won't hurt if you don't have one.
If you're not towing heavy you can get away with using 75W90 in rear differential. A former Dodge dealership mechanic told me all they're axle fluid services were done with the same 75W90 gear lube that had the friction modifier already in it

So I should be safe with 75w90 or 75w140 with additive? Seems the 75w140 bags of val full syn are the cheapest so I will go with that.

 

[caulk04]

Don't over think it. 75w90 will be fine for your application. From your description you do not have a limited slip rear.

 

[Mlaw1990]

Don't over think it. 75w90 will be fine for your application. From your description you do not have a limited slip rear.

Now I am overthinking it lol, Can the build decoder that was posted above by a member be wrong about anti-slip(limited slip). Sorry for all the questions.

 

[EdGs]

You can always look in your owner's manual for the diff fluid specs.

Or, call your local dealer, give them your vin#, and ask.

I have a 2015 with a 3.21 (conventional diff according to build sheet). Mine takes 75w-140.

Do you have an 8-speed transmission? If so, you likely have the ZF rear end, too.

 

[Mlaw1990]

You can always look in your owner's manual for the diff fluid specs.

Or, call your local dealer, give them your vin#, and ask.

I have a 2015 with a 3.21 (conventional diff according to build sheet). Mine takes 75w-140.

I called 2 dealers today and neither of them could figure out what specific diff I have or if it was limited slip. I am going to heavily assume the vin decoder above is off and I have the same thing you do.

Thank you everyone for the help.

 

[EdGs]

I called 2 dealers today and neither of them could figure out what specific diff I have or if it was limited slip. I am going to heavily assume the vin decoder above is off and I have the same thing you do.

Thank you everyone for the help.

Do you have the 8-speed trans?

You can also take a look at the rear diff, in case it still might have any labels on it.

 

[Different Drummer]

OP
I have literally the same truck only a few years younger than yours.
A couple of things to consider:
Your GM truck may have Torsen style limited slip which may act differently than the clutch type in your RAM
The electronic stability control in the RAM affects / interacts with the LSD function. This may cause it to seem different to you.
You do not mention the mileage on your truck. There are some ( including on this forum ) who frown upon the clutch type LSD because they feel the clutches wear out and then the Differential acts like an open differential. There is very little spring tension on the clutches in the RAM LSD. The interaction with ESC allows this design. Unless you have a very large number of miles on the truck and it has been worked hard I doubt that the clutches in the LSD are shot.
Also, my written manual says 75W-140. I had the dealer do a drain and fill and they used 75W-90. Initially I was a little upset but the service manager and the parts Dept. looked up my truck and all their Info said 75W90. Halfway between NY and FL I started to have parking lot symptoms that were obviously limited slip related. Dealer in NY did not add the limited slip additive. I went to a dealer in VA to get the LSD additive added to the Diff. They were a VERY accommodating dealership. ( Rather refreshing). While there I asked them about the 75W-90 vs 75W-140. They said the vehicle called for 75W-90. They researched it and also got a factory Rep on the phone for me. I have been running that 75W-90 for the last 35,000 miles with no issues. Unless you are doing severe duty stuff it should not matter. More important is that you put the LSD additive in or just buy gear lube that comes with it already added in the container.
Sorry for the long read, but hopes this helps set you mind at ease as to what to use.
Edit: neither the 75W-90 or the 75W-140 will do harm to your Diff.

 

[Mlaw1990]

OP
I have literally the same truck only a few years younger than yours.
A couple of things to consider:
Your GM truck may have Torsen style limited slip which may act differently than the clutch type in your RAM
The electronic stability control in the RAM affects / interacts with the LSD function. This may cause it to seem different to you.
You do not mention the mileage on your truck. There are some ( including on this forum ) who frown upon the clutch type LSD because they feel the clutches wear out and then the Differential acts like an open differential. There is very little spring tension on the clutches in the RAM LSD. The interaction with ESC allows this design. Unless you have a very large number of miles on the truck and it has been worked hard I doubt that the clutches in the LSD are shot.
Also, my written manual says 75W-140. I had the dealer do a drain and fill and they used 75W-90. Initially I was a little upset but the service manager and the parts Dept. looked up my truck and all their Info said 75W90. Halfway between NY and FL I started to have parking lot symptoms that were obviously limited slip related. Dealer in NY did not add the limited slip additive. I went to a dealer in VA to get the LSD additive added to the Diff. They were a VERY accommodating dealership. ( Rather refreshing). While there I asked them about the 75W-90 vs 75W-140. They said the vehicle called for 75W-90. They researched it and also got a factory Rep on the phone for me. I have been running that 75W-90 for the last 35,000 miles with no issues. Unless you are doing severe duty stuff it should not matter. More important is that you put the LSD additive in or just buy gear lube that comes with it already added in the container.
Sorry for the long read, but hopes this helps set you mind at ease as to what to use.

Thank you for your reply. 210k miles, It was never a tower, Daily driver highway miles. Reading through more posts here from the past it seems it's worn out and open now or is just a open diff. I just jacked it up again, In neutral. If you spin one of the back tires the other side spins reverse so I was under the assumption this is a Open diff. I plan to use valvloine flex fill 75-140 with additive just to be sure.

​

 

[Mlaw1990]

Do you have the 8-speed trans?

You can also take a look at the rear diff, in case it still might have any labels on it.

Yes 8 Speed, No labels anywhere under there.

 

[EdGs]

Yes 8 Speed, No labels anywhere under there.

Thank you for your reply. 210k miles, It was never a tower, Daily driver highway miles. Reading through more posts here from the past it seems it's worn out and open now or is just a open diff. I just jacked it up again, In neutral. If you spin one of the back tires the other side spins reverse so I was under the assumption this is a Open diff. I plan to use valvloine flex fill 75-140 with additive just to be sure.

​

I think you're good with the 75w-140+ additive.

 

[Dredger]

What confuses me more is if you jack up the rear and put it in neutral one tire spins forward the other backward

Have a read through this short thread

rear diff

Was there any offerings from dodge for a locking rear diff in the 2014 outdoorsman? Just bought this truck and from the get go I noticed it rumbled on turn under load from intersections,just though the clutches were bad or dry from not being used.I figgured over time they would quiet down.Had...

www.ramforum.com