Seeking Advice On Dealership's 30K Mile Service Items On My '19 3500 4WD Dually

[Goose55]

Please see attached Estimate.

The dealership gave me this "estimate" of several items they say need to be done--totally $1,200--I guess that's what the Owner Handbook says. I still have about 10 months left on my Extended Factory Warranty so one could argue that I would want to protect that. But, please read on; does it need protecting?

For just the front transfer case and differential fluids they want: $538.30. yIkeS! But, in the 5 years I've had the rig, I have never--yet--used 4WD. I just occasionally go 4WD, just to move the fluids, and keep things ready. I don't think I need this done. Waddaya think?

Now, with the rear diff $239.00 and the brake fluids 198.20 , I can see those might need to be done. But again, I'm a conservative driver. I don't hot rod. Considering the very light use my rig has had, being super easy on brakes--coasting to stops, and using exhaust brake at all times. AND, considering that I have not put the truck under any kind of heavy load. Ad with no mountains--or even hills--where I live, do you really feel the brake fluid and rear diff oil needs to be changed at 30,000? I have not towed anything with this rig.

Thanks for the help on this, fellas.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

You post sounds like you are trying to justify not paying the dealer to do them.

I think you could easily do the services yourself for a lot less. Keep receipts and evidence they were performed

If I'd spent the $$ to purchase the vehicle I'd damn certain spend the $$ to maintain it.

Your call, life ain't fair, you have to live with your choices

 

[Carnero Plateado]

30K miles seems premature for changing the diff and transfer case lube. What is the factory maintenance schedule?

An independent shop should be less expensive than the dealership if there’s a local shop that you trust. DIY is another option assuming you have the equipment and ability.

 

[Billet Bee]

You can buy all official mopar fluids, filters, gaskets and do it yourself for half that amount if your able, save even more money if you bought non mopar fluid that was approved to be used. These babies ain't cheap to maintain if you want them to last a long time.
As a side note you attested to light use, in the manual it states normal usage service intervals and heavy usage service intervals. It sounds like your using your vehicle normally, but if you used it to tow/ haul trailers or operated it In extreme environments like weather then that heavy usage interval drastically drops down from 30k and requires more frequent services.

 

[Goose55]

30K miles seems premature for changing the diff and transfer case lube. What is the factory maintenance schedule?

An independent shop should be less expensive than the dealership if there’s a local shop that you trust. DIY is another option assuming you have the equipment and ability.

Carnero, does one need a siphon to drain the rear diff in a 3500?

 

[Carnero Plateado]

Carnero, does one need a siphon to drain the rear diff in a 3500?

It's more effective to remove the cover, then you can clean any sediment at the bottom of the diff.

 

[Goose55]

It's more effective to remove the cover, then you can clean any sediment at the bottom of the diff.

It would require a gasket I take it? I don't presume the dealership would remove the cover, huh? I wonder what the best gear oil for the dually is.

 

[Billet Bee]

It would require a gasket I take it? I don't presume the dealership would remove the cover, huh? I wonder what the best gear oil for the dually is.

All of your specific fluids Are listed in the manual that came with the truck, which is really important info to have on hand with different axle shafts, gears, torque converters, transmissions that come in different trucks. Our 2020 ram 3500 dually hohd aisin trans with 410 gear and 4x4 had all the fluids listed in the Manuel with how too change each one with step by step instructions. You'd be best to start off with that to know exactly what fluids you need and how much of them are required for each.
You can either buy a cheap siphon pump for $15 on Amazon or just buy a new gasket which is what we did so we could fully remove all old fluid and inspect all the gears. It's easy to do mechanic work but you will get dirty & oily

 

[joesstripclub]

It would require a gasket I take it? I don't presume the dealership would remove the cover, huh? I wonder what the best gear oil for the dually is.

Not sure if your dually uses the same rear diff as a 2500, but from what I understand they should all use a gasket that is reusable. Can confirm from changing my own fluids that both the front and rear were reusable and I've had no leaks.

As for best fluid, that's like asking what the best engine oil is. 2500/3500 with a limited slip use a helical differential so no friction modifier is needed. I don't think it will hurt it though if you do use it. It's actually pretty difficult to find gear oil without friction modifier and the wavetrac in my 350z asks for no FM, so I've been buying Mobil Delvac by the gallon (2 or 3 to get free shipping) and have had no issues with it. It will cost a bit more, but if you dont have a fluid pump, the amsoil that comes is bags is a lot easier to pour into the diffs than bottles. I just saved one of the bag bottles and refill it as needed from my Delvac gallons.

If you do these yourself, do the transfer case while you are under there. 30k your front diff probably will look brand new still. My rear had a bit of color to it but by no means was the worst fluid I've ever seen. I think I changed mine around 25k.

Brake fluid is another one I try to change with some frequency. In your case in AZ, its dry enough the fluid shouldn't absorb much moisture from the air, and without towing you aren't putting much extra stress on the system, but you are still stopping a very heavy truck so that fluid will get hot.

I think you are right at the earliest mileage someone should consider changing these fluids. If your warranty requires it, knock it all our yourself and it will be way cheaper than what the dealer is asking.