I just picked up a used 2003 ram 2500 4x4 and am wanting to change out all the fluids, engine oil, auto trans and diffs.

So, I am thinking of using the Rotella oil, any thing bad with this oil?

What trans fluid do you recommend?

And for the diffs, I have read of people on here using the mobil one 75-90, is this the best one to use?

I dont know what the previous owners maintenance was like, although the truck is in great shape, so I want to know I am starting with all good fluids. I am also going to change out the fuel filters.

Thanks for your input.

 

I use Rotella 10-40.....Also Mobil 75-90 for the diffs.
I dont use additives in anything. As far as the transfer case, i dont have one so im not sure, somebody else can chime in and help you with that.
I was told by dealer and confirmed it in the book that the Manual trans fluid is good for life time unless it gets contaminated. So if all that helps.
Allen

 

I use the Rptella 15-40 in my truck and I must admit there is an odor given off for the first 500 miles or so. Some have reported that the Mobil 1300 does not do this. I also use the mobil gear oil, it is good stuff. The transfer case takes ATF+4 which can be hard to find. The tranny uses a special dino oil for the synchros, some have reported hard to shift trannies with real slick synthetics. If you can afford it talk to AMSOIL about their offerings.

 

So, the rotella stinks??

I think the delo 400 was the same price, or close to it, what about that oil??

I know the old oil debate goes on and on, but I am just not sure which one to run.

Thanks for the info so far.

 

I use the Mobil 1300 and theres no smell and I'm getting around 22 in and around town,23 on the hwy at 70 with air on and I love it ,but any oil that meets the requirements will work! Have been thinking about the syn oil just can't seem to make my mind up?

 

I run AMSOIL 15w-40 Marine diesel Oil in engine, REDLINE MTL in the 6 spd, AMSOIL ATF in transfer case, and Amsoil Series 2000 75-90w in frt and rear ends....

You can get 300,000 miles on the engine with an good dino oil such as Rotella ( known as Rosesmella) because of the odor.

It's personal choice which oils to run...

For more on oils go to bobstheoilguy.com and read the USED OIL ANALYSIS section.....

 

I use AMSOIL Head to Toe. I made the switch as early as possible. I won't have to do the front or rear diff for along time according to AMSOIL because they are sealed systems. The TRanny I'll change every third time required by DC. The oil I don't change unless AMSOIL Analisys says I need to do so

 

I'm going to use Rotella T full synthetic in mine. I and picking up the oil today and putting in next week I'll 5000 miles on my truck by the time I put in. It is CI-4 rated.

2004.5 2500 QC ST 4x4 LWB 6speed 3.73

 

toddbweaver I've been told by the folks on here that you don't need to use the syn. oil untillv you have at least 20,000 on her for break in reasons you might want to check!

 

AmsOil Front to rear with the transmission & transfer in waiting

 

I have used Delo for about 40 years. I have be a Marine Engineer for 35 years and have seen Delo used for many of them. The rings on the pistons are not stuck and the air boxes are not full of carbon. You take the valve covers off and they rockers look like new. Mobil makes good oil also.

 

auto trans

The manual and Dodge is very specific about what fluid to use in their auto. Mopar ATF+4, which only THEY make.

Some say they are compatable, and there is a debate of what's OK and what's not. But if you want to stay safe I'd just stick with that. For me it's not worth the risk. Why? Well, I don't like the idea of universal, Amsoil says their ATF is good for both Mercon and Mercon V. Ford says this is NOT possible, that the two oils are different from each other in ways that makes it impossible to have one fluid that meets both. Yet Amsoil has one fluid that meets both. Go figure.

Dealers can sell ATF+4. There was some on ebay as well. I'd just email this guy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

 

My '03 Dodge Repair manual says that MOPAR ATF+4 is recommended; but it doesn't go so far to say you HAVE to use it exclusively. It does say [in bold letters] to NOT use DEXRON II fluid for clutch chattering reasons. And I seriously doubt that DC manufactures the ATF, but rather has another company repackage one of their ATF+4's and put a DC label on it.

I wouldn't worry for a second to replace the MOPAR fluid with another high grade ATF+4 alternative.