I have always kept engine oil and transmission fluids changed on a regular basis but i have never done anything other than check fluid levels in rear ends and never done anything to transfer case ect.
Is it really nesessary or important to change these fluids?

 

I changed the rear end oil in mine and it was black and VERY thin. Almost like water. I haven't changed the front end but it doesn't get used much. Same with the transfer case. It's probably worth it to change at least the rear end fluid. It takes a lot of abuse from driving and towing.

 

guess i should get a manual--i do not know for sure what dodge recommends (or requires ) to keep warranty valid

 

My Owner's manual says:
Schedule A - Transfer case 45000 miles, nothing on differentials..
Schedule B - Transfer case 45000 miles, differentials every 15000 miles.
I will check my service manual for what it says.
Service manual says the same thing.
I changed my rear diff 15k 75W-90 from factory non synthetic it was really black. Installed Mag-Hytec and Shell Spirax S 75W-90 synthetic and looks good.

Front diff was nice lime green color and thick (75W-140 synthetic from factory) when new, now turning brown and thining out 23k. So I am going to change it probably at 30k.
Transfer case is already starting to change color at 23k so probably will change it soon also.

 

thanks arron guess i will do mine when i get back from this trip

 

You sure about 75w-140 and about synthetic?
Thought I read somewhere 80w-90 in front end, at least on the dana 60. Maybe 3500 is different from 2500?

 

Yes, it says front differential 75W-140 API GL5 SYNTHETIC and;
for rear differential 80W-90, or for axles intended for heavy duty or trailer tow 75W-140 SYNTHETIC.
Both my owners manual and the service manuals say the same thing.

I was not shouting at you on the word "synthetic", they have it in uppercase in the service manual. I guess they were trying to get the DC tech's attention.

 

Don't forget the BRAKE FLUID! Brake fluid is the most neglected fluid on any vehicle. It should be changed regularly also. Every other year is what I have read. If not debris, water, and rust can cause master & slave clinders and calipers to hang up and stick and cause the vehicle to turn while braking.

Just my $.02 worth.