Maintaining your Ram 1500’s differential is an essential part of keeping your truck running smoothly. One of the most important aspects of differential maintenance is choosing the right type of oil. Using the correct differential oil type can help improve your truck’s efficiency, performance, and resale value.
When it comes to the Ram 1500 differential oil type, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to choose an oil that’s compatible with your specific model and year of Ram 1500. Different Ram 1500 models may require different types of differential oil, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to ensure you’re using the correct oil.
Secondly, choosing a high-quality differential oil can help improve your truck’s performance and efficiency. High-quality oils are designed to reduce friction and wear, which can help your truck run more smoothly and efficiently. This can result in better gas mileage and a smoother ride, making it well worth the investment.
Understanding Differential Oil
If you own a Ram 1500, you already know that it’s a powerful truck that can handle a lot of heavy-duty tasks. But what you may not know is that your Ram 1500’s differential requires the right type of oil to function properly. In this section, we’ll explain the basics of differential oil, including its viscosity and specifications, and limited-slip differentials and additives.
Differential Fluid Basics
Differential oil, also known as gear oil or lubricant, is a type of oil that is used to lubricate the gears and bearings in your Ram 1500’s differential. The differential is the part of your truck that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It’s made up of several gears and bearings that need to be properly lubricated to prevent friction and wear.
Viscosity and Specifications
When choosing a differential oil for your Ram 1500, it’s important to consider its viscosity and specifications. Viscosity refers to the oil’s thickness or resistance to flow. Ram 1500s typically require gear oils with a viscosity of 75W-140 or 75W-85.
It’s also important to choose a gear oil that meets the GL-5 specification. GL-5 is a rating that indicates the oil’s performance characteristics, including its ability to protect against wear and corrosion.
Limited Slip Differential and Additives
If your Ram 1500 has a limited-slip differential (LSD), you may also need to use a friction modifier additive. LSDs are designed to transfer power to the wheel with the most traction, but they require a certain amount of friction to function properly. Friction modifier additives help to reduce chatter and improve the LSD’s performance.
When adding a friction modifier to your differential oil, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Adding too much or too little can affect the LSD’s performance.
In summary, choosing the right differential oil is important for maintaining your Ram 1500’s performance and longevity. Consider the oil’s viscosity, GL-5 specification, and LSD requirements when selecting a gear oil. And don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding a friction modifier additive.
Ram 1500 Specifics
If you own a Ram 1500, it is important to know the specifics of your vehicle’s differential oil type. This information can be found in your owner’s manual or by using your vehicle identification number (VIN) to search for the correct specifications online.
Identifying Your Ram 1500 Model
Ram 1500 models can vary in their differential type and oil requirements. To identify your specific model, check your owner’s manual or look for the model year and trim level on your vehicle’s VIN plate. The VIN plate can usually be found on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb.
Differential Types and Oil Requirements
The Ram 1500 has two main types of differentials: the front differential and the rear differential. The front differential requires 75W85 GL5 gear oil, and the recommended gear oil part numbers are 68210057AA and 68210057AB. The rear differential requires 75W-90 synthetic gear oil, and the recommended gear oil part number is 68083381AA.
It is important to use the correct differential oil type and viscosity to ensure proper lubrication and performance of your Ram 1500. Using the wrong oil can cause damage to the differential and void your vehicle’s warranty.
In summary, identifying your Ram 1500 model and understanding the differential types and oil requirements are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance. Always refer to your owner’s manual or consult a certified mechanic for any questions or concerns regarding your Ram 1500’s differential oil type.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your Ram 1500’s differential. It is recommended to follow the maintenance schedule provided in your owner’s manual or consult with a certified mechanic to ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained.
Maintenance Schedule
The maintenance schedule for your Ram 1500’s differential varies depending on the model year, driving conditions, and usage. Typically, it is recommended to have the differential oil checked every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. It is also recommended to have the differential oil changed every 30,000 miles or every three years, whichever comes first.
Checking Differential Oil Level
Checking the differential oil level is a crucial part of routine maintenance. To check the oil level, park your Ram 1500 on a level surface and remove the fill plug on the differential cover. If the oil level is below the fill hole, add the recommended oil until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Be sure to use the recommended oil type and viscosity for your Ram 1500’s differential.
Changing Differential Oil
Changing the differential oil is another important aspect of routine maintenance. It is recommended to have the differential oil changed every 30,000 miles or every three years, whichever comes first. To change the differential oil, park your Ram 1500 on a level surface and remove the drain plug on the differential cover. Allow the old oil to drain completely before replacing the drain plug and filling the differential with the recommended oil type and viscosity. Be sure to use the correct amount of oil and do not overfill the differential.
It is important to note that differential oil type and viscosity may vary depending on the model year and differential type of your Ram 1500. Consult your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic to ensure that you are using the correct oil type and viscosity for your vehicle. Proper routine maintenance of your Ram 1500’s differential will ensure its longevity and reliable performance.
DIY Differential Oil Change
Changing the differential oil in your Ram 1500 is an important maintenance task that should not be overlooked. Doing this yourself can save you time and money, but it is important to have the right tools and materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you change the differential oil in your Ram 1500.
Tools and Materials
Before you begin, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Jack stands
- RTV silicone sealant
- Differential oil (check your owner’s manual for the correct type and amount)
- Drain pan
- Funnel
Step-by-Step Guide
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First, make sure your Ram 1500 is on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged. Use the jack stands to lift the rear end of the truck and support it securely.
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Locate the differential cover on the rear axle. Use your socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the cover in place.
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Carefully remove the cover and let the old oil drain into the drain pan. Be sure to dispose of the old oil properly.
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Use a clean rag to clean the inside of the differential cover and the mating surface on the axle housing. Apply a thin layer of RTV silicone sealant to the mating surface.
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Fill the differential with the correct type and amount of oil. Use the funnel to avoid spilling oil on the ground or on yourself.
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Replace the differential cover and torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Refer to the torque specifications section below for the correct torque values.
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Lower the truck off the jack stands and check the oil level in the differential. Add more oil if necessary.
Torque Specifications
Here are the torque specifications for the differential cover bolts on a Ram 1500:
- 9.25″ front axle: 30 ft-lbs
- 9.25″ rear axle: 25 ft-lbs
- 10.5″ rear axle: 30 ft-lbs
- 11.5″ rear axle: 30 ft-lbs
Make sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the correct specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening the bolts can cause leaks or damage to the differential cover.
Advanced Considerations
Upgrading Differential Oil
If you want to improve the performance of your Ram 1500 truck, upgrading the differential oil can be a great option. A high-quality synthetic oil such as Amsoil Severe Gear can help reduce friction and wear on your bearings, leading to better performance and longer-lasting parts. Additionally, a synthetic oil can handle higher temperatures than conventional oils, which can be beneficial if you frequently tow heavy loads or use your 4×4 in extreme conditions.
When upgrading your differential oil, it’s important to choose a product that is compatible with your specific truck. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the right oil type and viscosity for your Ram 1500.
Impact on Towing and 4×4 Use
If you frequently tow heavy loads or use your 4×4 in severe conditions, the type of differential oil you use can have a significant impact on your truck’s performance. A high-quality synthetic oil can help reduce heat buildup and friction, which can lead to improved towing capacity and 4×4 performance.
When selecting a differential oil for towing or 4×4 use, it’s important to choose a product that is specifically designed for these applications. Look for oils with high viscosity ratings and additives that can help protect your bearings and other critical components from wear and tear.
Overall, upgrading your differential oil can be a great way to improve the performance and longevity of your Ram 1500 truck. Whether you’re looking to enhance your truck’s towing capacity or simply want to keep your bearings in top condition, a high-quality synthetic oil can help get the job done.
Professional Services
If you are not comfortable performing maintenance on your Ram 1500 differential, or if you encounter any issues that you are not able to resolve on your own, it is recommended that you seek professional help. Here are some professional services that can help you with your Ram 1500 differential:
When to Seek Professional Help
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Dealership Service Department: If your Ram 1500 is still under warranty, it is recommended that you take it to a dealership service department for any maintenance or repairs. This will ensure that your vehicle is serviced by certified technicians who have the knowledge and expertise to work on your vehicle.
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Independent Mechanic: If your Ram 1500 is no longer under warranty, you can take it to an independent mechanic for maintenance or repairs. Make sure to choose a mechanic who has experience working on Ram 1500s and who uses high-quality parts.
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Specialized Differential Shop: If you have a serious issue with your Ram 1500 differential, you may want to consider taking it to a specialized differential shop. These shops have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and repair complex differential problems.
Remember, proper maintenance is key to keeping your Ram 1500 running smoothly. If you are not comfortable performing maintenance on your vehicle, or if you encounter any issues that you are not able to resolve on your own, seek professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended differential oil type for a 2016 Ram 1500?
For a 2016 Ram 1500, the recommended differential oil type is 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. It is recommended to use a GL-5 rated oil, which is commonly found at most auto parts stores.
How often should the differential oil be changed in a 2018 Ram 1500?
The differential oil in a 2018 Ram 1500 should be changed every 30,000 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first. It is important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance of your vehicle.
What is the fluid capacity of the front differential on a Ram 1500?
The fluid capacity of the front differential on a Ram 1500 varies depending on the model year and engine size. For example, the 2019 Ram 1500 with a 5.7L engine has a front differential fluid capacity of 1.5 quarts. It is important to consult your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic for the specific fluid capacity of your vehicle.
Is there a specific differential oil type for the 2021 Ram 1500?
Yes, the 2021 Ram 1500 requires a specific differential oil type. The front differential requires 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil, while the rear differential requires 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. It is important to use the correct oil type to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to your vehicle.
Can I use synthetic oil in the differential of my Ram 1500?
Yes, synthetic oil can be used in the differential of your Ram 1500. In fact, many manufacturers recommend using synthetic oil for its superior performance and protection. However, it is important to use the correct viscosity and rating of synthetic oil as recommended by your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic.
Are there any special considerations for changing differential oil in a 2012 Ram 1500?
If you are changing the differential oil in a 2012 Ram 1500, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the front differential requires 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil, while the rear differential requires 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Secondly, it is important to use a limited-slip additive for the rear differential if your vehicle is equipped with a limited-slip differential. Finally, it is recommended to consult your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic for the specific fluid capacity and maintenance schedule for your vehicle.