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09:45:16 - 05/04/2024
V8 Dakotas
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Idaho Mike
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2003
16:02:24
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 Subject: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I see in my owner's manual that I need to change my front and rear axle fluid at 12,000 miles (am there now). Is this really necessary and how much can I expect to pay at my dealer?
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98Durango360
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2003
21:22:26
|  RE: Axle Fluid
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Do it urself and save a bundle. you can pick up enough mobile 1 gear oil to change the fluid in both diffs and ur transfer case for about 70 bones. Its not hard just takes a few hours.
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02CC4.7
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
08:02:27
| RE: Axle Fluid
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70 bucks, and a few hours worth of work, no thanks. I'll go to Jiffy Lube, and let them do it for 20 bucks per diff, and the same for the transfer case (you can usually get a better deal by doing all 3 at the same time). I'm all up for saving some cash and doing things yourself, but that gear oil is some nasty stuff. The transfer case isn't so bad cause theres a drain plug on that, but the diffs don't have a drain, and you have to get that pump, and suck it out, then pump the new stuff back in, thats just to much work to do. Most lube shops have an air suction that gets more oil out that you can by hand. Just my opinion, if your doing this yourself, have at it.
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EBL
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
14:01:36
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Pumping out the fluid will still leave the metal shavings in the bottom. Your better off taking the cover off and cleaning the area correctly.
That in itself is a good reason to do it yourself. The job is done right and the metal shavings are removed.
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02CC4.7
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
14:15:14
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
yeah, you can get more shavings out if you take the cover off, but your still not going to get all of them. I've seen trucks with 3000 miles that have metal shaving in the diff, so if a truck already has that happening at the low mileage, what are you really gaining by removing the cover to get it a little cleaner inside if it's gonna be the same within a few thousand miles. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a very thorough way of doing it, but I just don't see it being that much of a difference by going through all that extra work. I wish Dodge would get rid of that rubber gromet, and put a metal plug with a magnet on the end.
Tony
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Idaho Mike
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
14:39:34
| RE: Axle Fluid
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I see in my manual that this should be done pretty often. Is it really needed that often? Sounds like it will run somewhere around $100 at the dealer?
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Dr. D
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
20:11:08
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Make sure that you go with the AMSOIL Series 2000 75w/90 or the 75w/140 there Idaho Mike.
Dr. D
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Wal
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
23:21:14
| RE: Axle Fluid
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CHANGE it every 12,000? How about inspect the level every 12K. There's no way DC expects anyone to change the diff fluid every 12K unless they cross water or tow.
DIY and use your favorite synthetic. The M1 gear lube is usually just under $10 a qt. Use that if you don't want to have to change it again (unless you tow or wheel). If you want to change it every 12K then buy regular dino gear lube for like $2 a qt. If you have a limited slip rear, be sure to either use a gear lube that is compatable, or else add the necessary friction modifier to it.
Wal
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
9/25/2003
06:40:02
|  Amsoil = www.american-synthetic-oil.com
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FYI - Gear Lube Information:
High quality gear oils must lubricate, cool and protect geared systems. They must also carry damaging wear debris away from contact zones and muffle the sound of gear operation. Commonly used in differential gears and standard transmission applications in commercial and passenger vehicles, as well as a variety of industrial machinery, gear oils must offer extreme temperature and pressure protection in order to prevent wear, pitting, spalling, scoring, scuffing and other types of damage that result in equipment failure and downtime. Protection against oxidation, thermal degradation, rust, copper corrosion and foaming is also important.
AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Lube delivers unbeatable protection and fuel economy (independent testing shows class 8 vehicles with AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Lube in the differentials obtained up to 4.83 percent more mpg than vehicles equipped with another popular gear lube). Amsoil Synthetic Gear Lube has the film strength required to deliver all the protection heavy-duty and high-stress applications need in a fuel-saving viscosity grade. AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Lube is recommended for use in all passenger vehicles, commercial trucks and race vehicles.
AMSOIL 75W-90, 80W-90 AND 85W-140 Gear Lubes exceed the lubrication and performance requirements for gear boxes where API MT-1, GL-4 or GL-5 lubricants are specified.
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I am going to quote an old friend from this site ... Sandman ... whom we have not heard from in a while. Hope everything is okay Sandman.
... and I quote: "GM recomends 100,000 to 150,00 mile drain intervals. This is in the 8.625 rear end's equipted with synthetic gear lube from factory. This is under normal conditions. So I will apoligise for makeing fun of Amsoil's claim of "life of vechile" drain interval for their new 2000 series gear lube. I figure if that type of drain interval can be aproved by an OEM then that is good enough for me!
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Amsoil Series 2000 is latest introduction from Amsoil offering a higher level of performance vs. Amsoil's regular gear lube. They start with a different base stock with a special additives package. Amsoil could have discontinued the regular gear lube but contine to carry it due to its popularity.
A lot of people ask: 75w-90 or 75w-140 ? Personally I would use the synthetic 75w-90 since synthetic 75w-90 will perform above and beyond the recommended petroleum 75w-90.
I have Freightliner customers driving Class 8 Tractor Trailor Trucks using 75w-90 synthetic gear lube in their difs. Tuff enough for them ... Tuff enough for me.
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Additives
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive
Effectively Eliminates Gear Housing Chatter
When making a turn, the outer wheels of a vehicle must travel faster than the inner wheels. It is up to the differential to act as a balance arm, establishing constant equilibrium of torques and forces between the left-hand and right-hand driven wheels. In standard (or open) differentials, power is directed to the wheel offering the least resistance. This works well when making a turn, but in a situation where one wheel is lifted off the ground, it causes the suspended wheel to turn while the other remains motionless.
Limited-slip (or positraction) and locking differentials are traction-increasing devices. Locking differentials transfer all available torque to both wheels. The teeth of the spider assembly engage with those on the locker clutch, causing both axle shafts to operate as one. Locking differentials don't allow one drive wheel to spin while the other remains stationary. Instead, they keep both wheels in drive mode, but unlock to permit different wheel speeds when turning. The engaging and disengaging of the teeth on automatic locking differentials often causes a banging and clunking sound. Manual locking differentials usually use an electric motor or vacuum diaphragm to engage the locker, reducing this noise.
Limited-slip differentials allow different wheel speeds when turning, but when one wheel loses traction, greater torque is transferred to the wheel offering more resistance. Limited-slip differentials make use of friction between clutch plates, as opposed to the meshing teeth employed by locking differentials. Transferring less torque per side, limited-slip differentials are generally smoother and quieter than locking differentials, but still sometimes "chatter" when transferring torque to the wheel with traction.
In some differential applications, a friction modifier additive is necessary to reduce chatter. AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive is formulated with advanced friction modifiers and is designed to eliminate gear-housing chatter in cars, trucks and SUVs equipped with limited-slip, positraction and locking differentials. It also reduces the banging and clunking associated with automatic locking differentials.
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive is formulated for use with both synthetic and petroleum gear lubricants and safely replaces manufacturer recommended friction modifiers. Its convenient flip-top dispenser provides quick and easy application to the gear housing. One four-ounce bottle of Slip-Lock treats differential capacities of two to four quarts. It is not for use in automatic transmissions or other applications requiring ATF.
NOTE: AMSOIL Synthetic Gear Lubes DO NOT require the use of this additive. However, not all differentials respond the same and if chatter is noticed, the addition of AMSOIL Slip-Lock will eliminate it. For chattering differentials not running AMSOIL Gear Lube, this product is an excellent solution to the problem.
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DIY
For those of you thinking of changing your own fluids (DIY) ...
Helpful Differential Recommendations:
-Flush (drain) as much of the old fluid out.
-Differential fluid capacity depends on ring gear and axle housing size.
-Do not over/under fill differential. This could mean a capacity difference of a quart or more and may cause overheating problems. (See the owner’s manual for proper fill level)
AMSOIL gear oils are formulated with friction modifiers for limited slip differential applications. There is no need to add limited slip or additional additives. If you choose a different manufacturer than Amsoil ... fine by me, just offering my services.
-After changing the differential fluid, drive the vehicle in 7 or 8 figure eight turns, so the new lubricant can work its way into the axle assembly.
Synthetics provide the long-lasting protection, fuel efficiency and dependability needed for top performance, even extreme-pressure conditions. Stays fluid in cold temperatures for easy cold-weather shifting.
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Interested in receiving a FREE Amsoil Catalog, clink the link below.
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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Shinnysideup
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
07:50:52
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I have a 99 that I have to change about every 16k. This truck has mostly highway miles, but every 16k the diff. starts moaning and shuddering. The first lube change I did was with Mopar lube and additive, still same results. The last two changes have been with synthetic lube and Mopar additive, same results. Go figure.
3.55 LSD
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
08:09:31
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
My manual says every 12k miles. If I don't, then the warranty is void for lack of maintenance. Sounds pretty simple to me. Crock of sh!t ... but simple.
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Shinnysideup
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
18:35:05
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I agree with you it is a crock, there is no way the gear lube is shot in so few miles. The only thing I can figure on mine is that the additive gives up after awhile, next time I start getting the noise again I am only putting in the additive. I have been driving 26 years and have serviced the rear axle on my vehicles about 30k and have never had a diff. failure, most cars go thier lifetime and never get serviced.
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
21:45:28
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I put Redline in mine at 12,000, with the additive already in it. After the warrantee's up, I'm gonna let it go to 30k. I really don't think it'll be a problem, but, while in warranty, gotta follow those crazy Germans' rules. Oh well.
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Idaho Mike
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2003
07:29:00
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I just looked at my manual again and it states that it needs to be changed at 12,000 and then not again until 38,000 or 40,000 (something like that). Good News!!!! My dealer charges $80 each (front and rear), is that about right?
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Wal
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2003
07:39:43
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I knew that sounded like BS! So does your dealer's charge. Go to Pep Boys or the like. Get a sucker and a few quarts of gear lube. If you have ltd slip in the rear, get a tube of friction modifier located right next to the lube. When you get home it'll be nice and warmed up. * Crawl yer a$$ under there and remove the fill screw on top and suck out the old fluid. Squirt in the new. If you have 4wd, do the same up front. If this takes you more then 1/2hr then you are playing with it while you are under the truck :-)
* if this is your first fluid change, pick up some black RTV (not red) and pull the cover off the back of the pumpkin(s) to inspect and clean. Clean the old gasketing material off the pumpkin and cover and reapply RTV (don't glob it on) and put the cover back on. Fill, cap, drive happy.
I think we're talking about 2qts or so per axle, right? Even if you bought mobil1 synthetic you are out only $10 a qt. Dyno erl is like $2. You can buy a lot of lube for $80 per pumpkin from the stealer! I think I'm repeating myself though :-)
Naturally, you can go to a quickie lube place and they'll be a lot less then the stealer but I like to DIY :-)
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2003
23:33:23
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I have an '02 QC 4.7 Auto AWD -- my manual says EVERY 12,000 miles w/ 75W140 synthetic.
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RocketDak
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2003
14:32:47
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I had to jump in on this thread. Decided to replace rear axle fluid myself. No big deal, climb under truck, remove cover, refill. However, when I pulled off the stuck axle cover, DC had cemented it with an RTV from hell and no gasket! RTV was everywhere inside the housing after they torqued down the cover. Took 2 hours to clean up mess and clean the seal surfaces as opposed to may be an hour job. Used Royal Purple syn for refill. No problems...
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01Dakota355
Dodge Dakota
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12/22/2003
17:35:00
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
RocketDak is right, the RTV they use is nasty stuff. Front and rear diff. each take about 2 qts. My manual for my 01 4.7 4x4 CC says use 75W-140 Synthetic.
*A tip for the front diff., put the RTV on the pumpkin housing surface, not the cover. This will make it easier (and less of a mess) for reassembly. Also, remove the oil filter cover and use a long extension on your ratchet to reach the top bolts of the cover.*
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RandyB
Dodge Dakota
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3/01/2004
19:52:01
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
I just bought my truck and have been reading a lot here. What is the difference between axle, gears, transfer case, tranny, and anything else I should know.
I don't want to miss anything during service, and how do I know which one is the problem if I break down while off roading?
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mrbaddakota
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2004
23:55:25
| RE: Axle Fluid
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Message:
Steve, Have a question, I was under the impression that with synthetics Posi-Additives were not needed? Can you give me some insight on this subject.
Thanks, Craig Cooper mrcarbon01@yahoo.com
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
3/03/2004
06:57:11
| Amsoil - Axle Fluid - Additives
IP: Logged
Message:
mrbaddakota,
First, all synthetics are not equal in quality.
Second, Not all differentials are equal in performance.
Third, some differentials may need an additive.
The information was in my prior post as follws:
Limited-slip (or positraction) and locking differentials are traction-increasing devices. Locking differentials transfer all available torque to both wheels. The teeth of the spider assembly engage with those on the locker clutch, causing both axle shafts to operate as one. Locking differentials don't allow one drive wheel to spin while the other remains stationary. Instead, they keep both wheels in drive mode, but unlock to permit different wheel speeds when turning. The engaging and disengaging of the teeth on automatic locking differentials often causes a banging and clunking sound. Manual locking differentials usually use an electric motor or vacuum diaphragm to engage the locker, reducing this noise.
Limited-slip differentials allow different wheel speeds when turning, but when one wheel loses traction, greater torque is transferred to the wheel offering more resistance. Limited-slip differentials make use of friction between clutch plates, as opposed to the meshing teeth employed by locking differentials. Transferring less torque per side, limited-slip differentials are generally smoother and quieter than locking differentials, but still sometimes "chatter" when transferring torque to the wheel with traction.
In some differential applications, a friction modifier additive is necessary to reduce chatter. AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive is formulated with advanced friction modifiers and is designed to eliminate gear-housing chatter in cars, trucks and SUVs equipped with limited-slip, positraction and locking differentials. It also reduces the banging and clunking associated with automatic locking differentials.
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive is formulated for use with both synthetic and petroleum gear lubricants and safely replaces manufacturer recommended friction modifiers. Its convenient flip-top dispenser provides quick and easy application to the gear housing. One four-ounce bottle of Slip-Lock treats differential capacities of two to four quarts. It is not for use in automatic transmissions or other applications requiring ATF.
NOTE: AMSOIL Synthetic Gear Lubes DO NOT require the use of this additive. However, not all differentials respond the same and if chatter is noticed, the addition of AMSOIL Slip-Lock will eliminate it. For chattering differentials not running AMSOIL Gear Lube, this product is an excellent solution to the problem.
__________________________________________________
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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