I've got just about 15000 miles (8500 of those miles on a road trip from AK to CT) on my first diesel (05' SLT) and I'm wondering how closely I should follow the Dodge Maitenance schdule? It says at 15000 miles to change the axel fluids, fuel filter, lubricate outer tie rod ends, etc. I've had an oil change about every 4000-5000 miles but I don't know about the rest. I've got a 1000 mile road trip coming up over Thanksgiving and am wondering if I should get this stuff done before, afterwards, or if I even need to do them now.

Thanks

 

This is opinion only, but Dodge is who provides your warranty, so, to me, it makes sense to follow their recommendations. Your 4,000 to 5,000 mile oil changes are more frequent than recomendations. They say you can go 7,500. I don't go that long, but I do go longer than you, 6,000. Definitely change your fuel filter at no more than 15,000. I just changed mine for the third time. Twice it was black as coal! The other time it looked like it could go another 15,000. To me, two out of three IS bad! I really don't know about the differential fluid changes. 15,000 is recommended if you tow. If not, then there isn't a recommended change. I didn't know about the tie rod ends. Almost 45,000 miles & mine have never been done! Can't do it now. All the garage stuff is packed for a move from the Texas Panhandle to Nashville, Tn.