Front differential
05-21-2008, 03:55 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Front differential
Today I changed the rear differential fluid. Easy job. Put in Mobil 1 75W90.
I have 11K miles on truck. I tow a heavy 5th wheel toy hauler. This is the only thing that throws me into the severe service schedule. I did not change the front since I only have used 4 wheel drive a couple of times at boat ramps. I would like to know if most agree with my logic, that towing a heavy load would not put any more stress on the front diff. The only time there is any additional torque applied to the front diff is when 4 wheel drive is engaged. I realize the gears are turning in the front diff on a Dodge all the time, but this should not put it in the severe maintenance schedule.
I have 11K miles on truck. I tow a heavy 5th wheel toy hauler. This is the only thing that throws me into the severe service schedule. I did not change the front since I only have used 4 wheel drive a couple of times at boat ramps. I would like to know if most agree with my logic, that towing a heavy load would not put any more stress on the front diff. The only time there is any additional torque applied to the front diff is when 4 wheel drive is engaged. I realize the gears are turning in the front diff on a Dodge all the time, but this should not put it in the severe maintenance schedule.
05-21-2008, 11:10 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Makes since to me
I'm certainly not the most qualified but what you say makes since. However how much does it cost to change the fluid? Seems cheap to keep your warranty still intact. I have had problems with my front end and if I still had a warranty I would not risk it.
05-22-2008, 10:06 AM
#4
Registered User
I just changed my front and rear diff fluid, went with Red Line 75w-90. I have 12,500 miles on my truck and wanted to change it before I pull my trailer next week on vacation. The rear fluid looked pretty dark and looked well used. When I drained the front, it was nearly clear and looked brand new. I've had my truck in 4 wheel drive about 15 or 20 times driving in snow, mud, and fire roads in the mountains. I've driven it at 40 mph with snow on the road for 25 miles coming back from skiing a few times, so I've had it in 4x4 mode quite a bit. I expected the front fluid to look like the rear, but it looked brand new.
It only took just shy of 3 quarts to fill the front @ $8.50 per quart, I figure cheap insurance in case of warranty work. It took just a bit less than 4 quarts to fill the rear. That's with covers completely removed and fluid wiped out of the bottom with paper towels.
It only took just shy of 3 quarts to fill the front @ $8.50 per quart, I figure cheap insurance in case of warranty work. It took just a bit less than 4 quarts to fill the rear. That's with covers completely removed and fluid wiped out of the bottom with paper towels.
05-22-2008, 05:14 PM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just changed my front and rear diff fluid, went with Red Line 75w-90. I have 12,500 miles on my truck and wanted to change it before I pull my trailer next week on vacation. The rear fluid looked pretty dark and looked well used. When I drained the front, it was nearly clear and looked brand new. I've had my truck in 4 wheel drive about 15 or 20 times driving in snow, mud, and fire roads in the mountains. I've driven it at 40 mph with snow on the road for 25 miles coming back from skiing a few times, so I've had it in 4x4 mode quite a bit. I expected the front fluid to look like the rear, but it looked brand new.
It only took just shy of 3 quarts to fill the front @ $8.50 per quart, I figure cheap insurance in case of warranty work. It took just a bit less than 4 quarts to fill the rear. That's with covers completely removed and fluid wiped out of the bottom with paper towels.
It only took just shy of 3 quarts to fill the front @ $8.50 per quart, I figure cheap insurance in case of warranty work. It took just a bit less than 4 quarts to fill the rear. That's with covers completely removed and fluid wiped out of the bottom with paper towels.
Thanks for the info.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gsdog1
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
12
01-30-2004 07:58 PM
BADodge2003
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
6
08-06-2003 09:43 PM