Is there any problem with using one of those pumps to remove and replace axle fluid. Do I really need to pull the covers off?

 

I wouldn’t do it that way – you’ll leave a lot behind. I’d say just remove the cover and get it all out that way. I even used a rag to remove the remaining oil that sat in a small bowl in the axle casing.

 

For the first fluid change, I would suggest to take the cover off so that you could check the gears, etc. for any potential problems. For the future changes, pump it out.

 

You don't have to remove the covers if you don't want to. Just loosen the bolts, and when ready loosen a bottom one and the weight of the oil on the cover will push the cover away and the old stuff can drain into the pan. When it stops draining, torque them all back up. Its simple.

 

The trucks with the AAM 11.5 rear axle has a drain plug on the very bottom.

That is if it's the same as the GM HD version. Most people don't even think to look.

 

Mine doesn't. After being on this board for a couple of years, a little detail like wouldn't have been missed for very long.

 

No drain plug on the bottom of the Dodge American Axles

Dean

 

i still feel your gonna want to take the cover OFF for the first fluid change. as stated above, you should check the gears, and CLEAN the inside of the cover.

for an extra 20 minutes, its worth it. its not like its a real PITA.

And yes, gasket is REusable

 

even if our covers had a drain i wouldn't use it. open it up, get ALL of that fluid out. i even lift 1 side of the axle, let it ooze out, and then do the other side.

 

If you all feel like spending some money, get a Mag-Hytek rear cover. They add a few more quarts capacity, have a dipstick with a magnet and a drain at the very bottom. I'm puttin the one from my Dmax on this one.



Here's a bunch more pics

 

I would be careful just loosening bolts and draining then retightening, its not good getting oil on the reusable gasket. Has a tendency to ruin the gasket. Not that difficult to remove cover... for the price of a Mag Hytek, I could get me some other niceities? (is that even a word?)

 

How do you propose to keep the gasket clean from oil when you remove the cover? I don't think even Jesse James was that fast, lol.

 

I will remove the cover. thanks.

Any last statements on using Amsoil 2000 vs Dodge product.

My local service manager said he would not void warrenty for using this. In other words he probably could but would not run chemistry on fluids to find out.

 

Lots of folks are using Amsoil, M1, RP, Redline, etc with great success. Your dealer is blowing smoke about "voiding the warranty"; he's just using a low grade scare tactic to convince you to spend your money at his parts counter. Its not like the Dodge fluid is a special elixir that is unique in the universe, nor is it like they designed and manufactured the differentials in our trucks - they subcontracted out for them. I've looked in my manual(s) and no where does it say anything about the REQUIREMENT to use a Dodge product.

 

Yea the Mag-Hytek is not cheap But I can tell you it is one beautifully designed and manufactured piece. With the addition of the few extra quarts of oil and extra cooling it provides, not to mention it looks great, I think its worth every penny.