Had the truck serviced the other day ( not at ripoff dodge dealership) and was informed that the front diff oil was milky looking. I haven't driven through any large body of water or anything like that. The truck has 35k on it and nothing had ever been mentioned before when serviced. I asked the dealership and they says it's normal looking for the front diff???? The rear diff looks ok, are there different oils for both? if so, what's the diff (no pun intended) Has anyone changed out their's to a synthetic?

 

Did you see the "milky" diff oil?

I would check the breather, maybe install an extension up into the engine compartment.

As far as synthetics in the diff, I still have the factory stuff.

But, wasn't there something put out by American Axle about NOT running synthetics in there units?

Someone set me straight on this. I see know harm in running with synthetics, I perfer it, and would like to go that route. But I do recall a warning from AA to stick with the dino.

Mike

 

DSLRammin,
Info below is copied from my '03 Service Manual. It calls for synthetic in our axles.

The Boss Hog


FRONT AXLE
² C205F - Mopart Gear Lubricant 75W-90
² 9 1/4 AA - Mopart Synthetic Gear Lubricant
75W-90
REAR AXLE
² 9 1/4 - Mopart Synthetic Gear Lubricant 75W-140
² 10 1/2 AA - Mopart Synthetic Gear Lubricant
75W-90
² 11 1/2 AA - Mopart Synthetic Gear Lubricant
75W-90
NOTE: Trac-LokT differentials require Limited Slip
Additive in the lubricant. Trac-Rite™ differentials
DO NOT require Limited Slip Additive.

 

My dealer recommended 75-140 full synthetic GL5 for heavy towing, and said it would not void warranty, so I put in Redline.

Several threads about this (weight), but in any case definately use a full synthetic that meets GL-5.

I don't know what is going on with "milky looking" oil... Mine looked fine.

 

Milky lube isn't normal. Its a good thing you got it out; also makes a good case for DC's maintenance plan that says to change it out every 15k? Both diffs use the same fluid and should look the same (my front diff had some sparklies in it but was clear).

No chance that the shop that serviced the truck saved a sample of the front diff oil for analysis? Did you see the milk? Coulda been a gentle way for them to ensure you'll come back soon for another oil change too.

In any event I'd check the vent, and keep an eye on the fluid on a more frequent basis.

 

I would agree with the others on checking the vent. Milky diff fluid is usually the result of water contamination. Could it be the vent tube is blocked and it is condesation building up.

 

It appears DC puts in somthing funky at the factory. I changed mine the first 6 month I had it and the stuff I took out was also milky. I took the oil to the dealer and had them look at it and they said it was normal
Since then I have replaced it all with AMSOIL.

 

Maybe the milky trucks could have been the "wet" trucks on the boat?

 

My truck also had milky fluid in the front diffs. The rears looked normal- this was @ 3,000 miles when I changed front and rear out to redline synthetic

 

On my truck the factory oil came out milky looking at the first change. I have changed it twice since then with no milky appearance. I use Mobil One 75W-90.

 

I spoke with someone at AAM last year and they mentioned that the first change would look milky due to some type of assembly lube used for initial break-in. Mine has stayed clear since the first change out. If it looks milky after the first change that would lead me to look for contamination problems.

Richard