Is it true we need to change the diff fluid every 12-15k miles?

If so- which brand are you using? and what weight?
Thanks
Mike

 

Same question here. Take mine to the dealer for an oil change at 17K and they said I was due for Diff oil change too. Didn't have them do it, didn't see a need. Plus they wanted $90! Have not been offroad much and diff does not get that hot where the oil will break down.

 

The differential gets hot from the constant turning of the gears. The purpose of the fluid is to lubricate and to dissipate heat. Change the fluid in the differentials. It's cheap and easy to do it yourself.

 

Spoke to parts guy in Stealership and he said

Rear- 75W90
Front- 80W90

Synthetic for both

 

I've swapped the oil in the Dana 60 front and Dana 80 rear of my Ram only twice in 11 years. Use Amsoil 80w-90.

Last time I opened the diffs was in 2005 and not only was everything clean, but the original machine marks on the ring gear teeth were still plainly visible. That lube had been in there over 100,000 New England miles.

After running in axle deep water, I'd check for contamination, but beyond that I'll run 60 months on a gear lube change (first change in under 1000 miles to clean out break-in crud) with just periodic level checks.

Buy Amsoil in Gallon Jugs and save some $$. If you are part of a club or have some friends, the 16 gallon Keg is a great deal.

 

I spoke to Redline and they said 75W90 Gear Oil should be fine for front and rear.
And actually should be better for front.

 

The rear diff cover was leaking so I took if off and cleaned it all out- Fluid was Black.

But the Front was Still clear. Dam Didnt need to change front. Oh well. Had the Fluid so why not- took and hour for the rear because of the cover/cleaning/scraping.

Front took 10 min.

 

STUPID ME for listening to STUPID Stealership.

If you have a tow package like the guy asked me its 75w140 not 75w90 like he said.

How did I find this out- By looking in the manual AFTER I was done- I dont tow anything anyway so my mech. friends said im fine

 

I don't remember having a schedule like this for the TJ, wonder why the difference for the JK. Of course, the POS D35 in my TJ got topped off regularly thanks to the leak .

 

that's the same schedule as the TJ.