If you have not done so please read the post in the 24V engine and drivetrain section titled “how to void your warranty”. I read this last night and it scarred me but it was true. I had no idea that a one ton truck would come from the factory with oil in the rear end that you could not tow with. I got to thinking that if I was unaware of this problem maybe some of the regulars from this area of the website might be in the same shape. I hope this saves someone some bad problems and money in the future.<br>Moderator: Please if I’m posting in the wrong area please feel free to move or delete this post. My only intent is to make more people aware of this potential problem. I do not always look in all sections of the website so I’m assuming that others do not as well. THank You<br>

 

It is rather odd that a manufacturer would ship a truck that is built primarily for towing, and supply that truck with a lubricant that would void the warranty if that truck is actually used for the purpose which it was intended. If you get my drift. It makes one wonder about the motives of the people that make these decisions.

 

I was told by DC that it was a &quot;cost saving measure&quot;. ???

 

Somebody should lose their job over this idiotic fiasco. But in reality it probably saves DC a great deal of money in the cost of synthetic lube. <br> If I buy a new truck, the dealer will fill it with the right stuff or I would not buy it.

 

It appears to me that D.C. has shot itself in the foot from the start for the 2003 year. First the hitch problem of no drilling. Reese developed their brackets and now recalled them. What is the reason? Reese's mistake or Dodge causing it after the late release of hitch install instructions. Late release of the new 48RE transmission causing people to cancel orders of the 47RE. Not giving firm guidance on Jack Brake compatibility with the 48RE. Increasing the cost of the Jake Brake and install cost.

What else is around the corner. Have I forgotten other items.

Maybe I have ordered my truck too soon and need to think and learn more about just what is going on here.

 

I found this on the Dodge site and am not sure just what it means. If an individual ordered his truck without the Trailer Tow Group Option (because he wanted a 5th wheel hitch) would his not be equipped with the proper axle lube? <br><br><br>Found on Dodge site under Towing Terms and Conditions.<br><br>Synthetic axle lubricant<br>with Trailer Tow Group Tow vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Group option should use synthetic axle lubricant, which is standard on all 2003 Ram Pickup Trucks.<br><br>For all trailer towing or heavy duty applications replace the factory fill rear axle lubricant with an SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant. Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985) is of this type. Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).<br>