I have an 02 3500 24 valve 4x4 automatic and i need to do some service to the truck.
New brakes, fluids in the drivetrain and transmission. I'm taking it to the dealer for the trans work but we will be doing the brakes and traney fluids.
Wanted to know what type of fluids you guys might recommend. Any other advice would be appreciated.


thanks

 

Man I'm sorry about this and I'm sure I will hear about it but I have never dealt with a dealer (DC, GM or the blue oval) that knew JACK about auto trannys. Unless its warrentee work I would suggest finding a reputable local tranns shop (preferably one thats involved in the HP game) for your auto work and service.
The dealer can only replace things with the OEM parts and in many cases there are better products for less money. IMHO fluid changes are a important part in the maintenance game, I just think the dealer way over charges for the service they do.

 

Thanks for the reply

As for the fluids and such, any recommendations on brands and such.
Did some reading through other posts and I might be letting the dealer do the brakes too.
Are they really a bear to do? Don't mind getting dirty just don't want to get into a fight with the old truck right now. If ya know what I mean.


Any thoughts


Thanks

 

You don't list your location, but I run all synthetic fluids mainly because of the cold temps my truck is subjected to. Also, because things like the gear cases get easily forgotten as far as service intervals.

The only acception is the tranny fluid. At this point I only feel comfortable with ATF+4 which is a dealer only item. Even though some of the aftermarket fluids claim to be "compatible". Just personal preference, I guess.

If you have done other brake jobs, you can also do your truck yourself. As of 2001, the front rotors attach like "normal" vehicles so you do not need special tools or methods for their removal. Just stick with high quality parts. They will cost you less in the end just because of the weight you are trying to stop. This is especially true if you do any towing.

 

I dont see the brakes a big issue. IMO jacking up and jack standing the truck and removing the tires the biggest part of the job. That said many people feel uncomfortable doing there own brakes, so your choice. As far as fluids go I dont really feel the synthetics are worth the extra money. It my preferance to use a quality brand name oil and change it regularly. Just my $.02

 

Amsoils ATF meets ATF+4 and is higher grade synthetic than Mopar, IMO. DTT Transmissions recommend it also. Those are the only 2 fluids that should ever be used in a stock Dodge Auto!

RJ

 

I use Redline in my Jeep (auto) and xfer cases...great stuff. The new bottles list the Mopar code for ATF+4.

 

Thanks for the info.
I'll be putting it away for future reference. I ended up letting the dealer do all the fluids and the brakes. Only because I was in a time crunch and wanted to get it done before the new year.

Glad to hear the brakes are not big deal. Perhaps next time I'll give it a go.


Thanks all

 

Stick with the synthetics. This includes the ATF MObil makes it as well and have it in my x-case. Would be good in the auto as well. Find a dealer if you like and get their product book or anyones and compare. Makes for good reading material.The syn's take the heat and cold better they are about 8/9% slipperier. so less heat buildup and oil lasts longer. The other website had a good article on transmission heat versus oil life was quite interestion. upper temps were oil life cut in half by was it ???? 10*f.

 

I would still change the fluid to an amsoil I tried many before I finally settled.transmission just seemed to work better afterwards and synthetics stand up to heat better