Front & Rear diff change

[tpilaske]

I have a 2006 Dodge RAM CTD and regular maintenance schedules say to change the front & rear diff fluid every 15K miles. I just ordered some Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 to change it out with. My question is, do you think it will be safe to run the oil for roughly 30K miles and not change it out until the 45K mile service? Or should I continue on the 15K mile service intervals? With fall/winter approaching, I won't be doing much towing until next spring so it will mostly be just stop & go driving and some freeway.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[Pablo]

You'll be fine. Such short intervals in this day and age are interesting.

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

I would think 30K with a good gear oil like the Amsoil your using is very easily attainable. 15K, even with severe duty use seems over-done. I drain the diff oil about every 20K on my toy hauler which almost never moves a tire at less than 23K GCVW and runs 200-220*F oil temps. The oil at 20K (other than the factory fill) always comes out nearly as clear as when it went in!

Unless there is a mechanical problem there are really isn’t much wear material produced in a diff. Heat is the biggest oil related problem in a diff.

 

[tpilaske]

Great! Looks like I'll be keeping it in for a while!

Thanks for the info!

Tony

 

[SpitIX]

quote:

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Originally posted by Pablo:
You'll be fine. Such short intervals in this day and age are interesting.

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I agree. Diffs are really no different than they were 50 years ago. As I recall, the diff oil was rarely, if ever, changed. Rear end problems, other than seal leaks, were very rare.
Thanks.

 

[H2GURU]

The manufacturers have started to recommend annual fluid swap-outs for differentials and it's to prevent a failure due to the intruduction of water into the housing. If you don't go near any water that would submerge your axle(s) under the vent tube , then fluid is good for life.