I talked to my service man today and guess what He informed me that if I used any thing other than mopar fluid in the diffs it would void the warranty on them. JERKS!!! He also sugested adding mopar limited slip additive.

 

Are these dealers charging any less for servicing differentials without taking off the covers? They should, I imagine it cuts the work involved by 3/4. All the more reason to get a cover with a drain plug and do it yourself.

 

just cant get a good visual inspection by not taking the covers off IMO

 

the new Limited slips don't require any LS additive...least that is what I was told?????

 

Just found this in my manual.....

NOTE: DaimlerChrysler recommends using Mopar lubricants or lubricants of equal quality.


Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500 Models GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent Gear Lubricant Note: Trac-Lok Differentials require Limited Slip Additive in the lubricant. Trac-Rite/Trac-Rite EL differentials DO NOT require Limited Slip Additive.


now I dont know how you tell what trac loc/right we have?????

 

exactly what my manual said also......so i did it per the manual, plus I called the dealer while i as in the store to make sure I got the right stuff.

 

Same thing in my manual too. When I bought my truck I was told that DC now recommends 75w140 Synthetic or equivalent Gear Lubricant. The limitide slip additive is not recommended in our axles BUT the dealership adds it anyway when they do a change.

As long as you use a lubricant of EQUAL quality it will NOT affect the warranty according to my dealership, the offer both the Mopar and AMSOIL.

I personally would change out all the stock fluids, install a cover that allows for extra lubricant, and then oil test the diff fluid after that before just changing out. If towing a lot, then 15K change may be necessary, otherwise oil testing would be beneficial in getting mileage out of the fluids as it is much less expensive than an un-necessary fluid change. Also, the oil testing would rectify any dealer arguments about the quality of your oil in case you had a problem with the diffs.

CD

 

I put temperature strips on my front and rear differential covers last weekend. Havent re-checked yet, Gonna see how hot the oil gets in the next 5000 miles. Plan on installing Mag-Hytec covers then. Gonna re-check the new covers and see if there really IS a temperature drop with the new oil capacity and cooling fins.

 

well i am 100% sure there will be a drop in temp due to the extra capacity of fluid in the axle.....dont think there is much arguement there

 

Gents, FYI: the law states that no manufacturer can void a warranty because their brand lubricant was not used.

 

i was told the mopar oil has the ls in it already and if u put other oil in it doesnt have ls in thats why they told me i should put ls in at every change

 

I have a lube business and I think sucking it out is a stupid idea... It takes 3 time longer to do and you still have to pull the filter. The whole sucking-the-oil-out deal is great for boats or truck mounted compressors that can't be drained normally...
If these companies are worried about plugs falling out... they need to close their doors... they have 3 tasks to do... Pull and replace plug... pull and replace filter... fill with oil... If that is too tough then I would seriously question their competence.

They can't tell you that unless they are ready to provide you with materials free of charge... You can use ANY fluids or filters that meet or exceed factory spec's. I love to call service writers on that when they are telling their customers this load and watch them squirm.... Funny how my truck makes it to the front of the line after that...

Oilguy