All right guys I am getting ready to change my front and rear diffs on my 03' 2500 and I was reading the owners manual, which says the American Axle's call for GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lube. So then I go to the dealer to inquire about the amount each axle takes and of coarse they say I should only use their synthetic gear oil because other brands will eat away the seals in the axles. The parts guy then proceeds to say that he isn't just saying he recommends their oil because he works for the dealer and it’s my choice. Anyway long story short 1 quart bottle at the dealer cost $20.83.... OUCH x 7 quarts = $145.81 to change front and rear axles. Talk about the most expensive gear oil I have ever heard of. Well, I want the best possible fluids for my truck but, I don't know about $20.83 a quart. So I want to know what other brand synthetic gear lubes you guys using? I was thinking about using AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR™ Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Lubricant 75W-90 (SVG) which is rated GL-5 and only $11.20 a quart x 7 = $78.40. Now that’s more reasonable if you ask me. Any input your guys have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

I hate dealers although i dont have a diesel Amsoil Sever Gear is a great oil and you shouldnt have any issues using it. Become a perfered customer for somthing like $20.00 a year and save on their products.

 

Yeah, dealers are a rip off...... I am a AMSOIL perfered customer and I think I am going to use AMSOIL Sever Gear because I am already running their Diesel engine oil.

 

I'm running Amsoil Severe Gear in my 03 diffs and have no complaints. The dealer's prices are outrageous for everything and I'll guarantee you Mopar oil is brewed by someone else. Use the Amsoil and good luck.

L8r,..........dogger

 

Thanks dogger.....

 

schaffers full synthetic 75/90, $180.00 for 5 gallons

 

I ran Mobil 1 75/90 Full Syn in mine, and no problems after 40K miles. As long as you run a full synthetic in the correct weight you'll be fine.

 

I run redline, I think it was around $7 per quart but I put 75/140 in the rear as I tow heavy and I figured runnin dual 34s now and my next set will be 35s it prolly wouldnt hurt to run a little heavier oil.

about 15-20k on it so far with no complaints

theres alway royal purple too, I have had that in my trans for about 5k and if there is any diff it shifts smoother but I really think there is no diff.

 

Well I just had Jiffy lube change mine. Now I have to wonder if they put the wrong stuff in. How worried should I be???

 

I could be wrong, but isn't there a TSB regarding fluids in the AAM rear axle? I believe it recommends using the 75/140 instead of the 75/90.

I plan to put the Amsoil Severe Gear 75/140 in both axles, coming up on 15K soon and will be doing both axles, installing MagHytec covers also.

CD

 

If I were you I would call them and ask them what they put in. You might want to pretend you are another customer and ask what diff fluid they would put in your truck.

 

Do you know where this TSB is?

 

If you read my post on my 3 hour oil change. You will see I am never going back to Jiffy Lube. I still need to get my tranny purge done and Coolant flush. So I will get those done at my regular oil change place and I will buy some new gear oil. Probably hunt down Amsoil

 

I read about it over on the Carson Dodge website. I think it was in their parts information . . Servicing rear differentials. Also read about it in the TDR mag . . has a reference number of 999925743 . . think that ust be some shop/service notice because it has a different number structure than TSB's. Hope that helps. Also, when I was reading the Carson materials, i noticed that there was a comment about the AAM Limited Slip diffs NEEDING the additive that our manuals say we don't need. Lots of info from John Holmes regarding diesel trucks and their upkeep. Straight from a dealers mouth.

CD

 

Actually, I did read you post on your 3 hour oil change. You asked if you should be concerned and the only way to find out what they put it would be call them and ask. I wasn't saying you should have those morons touch your truck again. Just trying to help....