[Duelly Dad]

I changed out both fuel filters today, changed the rear diff fluid and installed my rough country duel steering stabilizers. I’ve got 15,000 on her and the diff fluid was dirty, I went with Lucas 75-140. I used 75-140 on my 2500 to get rid of the wine it had with the 4:10 gears, I also had the rough county duel stabilizer on my 2500 so I except to feel the same results.

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=825747&stc=1&d=1534019668

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=825749&stc=1&d=1534019668

 

[zran22]

Changed fluid in my diffs as well not too long ago. Glad I did it at 5000 miles, because that fluid is junk after break in.

 

[str8t six]

are gaskets reusable on both diffs?

thanks

 

[zran22]

are gaskets reusable on both diffs?

thanks

On my 18’, yes they are.

 

[gsbrockman]

On my 18’, yes they are.

....and RAM has had reusable gaskets since 2003 when they went with AAM axles.

 

[Jimmy N.]

....and RAM has had reusable gaskets since 2003 when they went with AAM axles.

And as often as some of them need attention, that's a really good thing.

 

[gsbrockman]

And as often as some of them need attention, that's a really good thing.

It’s a good thing I no longer have AAM’s :stirpot:

 

[Jimmy N.]

It’s a good thing I no longer have AAM’s :stirpot:

That, by itself, is a strong argument for getting a 4500.

 

[Learjet]

I don't think looking at the fluid is the best way to judge...it may have been that color when it was put in...I should have sent my diff fluid in for analysis...just did the first change at 21,000 miles...I didn't think it looked that bad.

 

[Jimmy N.]

I don't think looking at the fluid is the best way to judge...it may have been that color when it was put in...

I would say that you might be on to something there. If indeed they pour used and contaminated fluid into the AAM axles at the factory, yes, it can be expected to look like in the photo.

But I have checked several that had clear (well, as clear as a hypoid oil is) fluid in them from the factory.
That they also have chunks of metal, or if I'm lucky, only lots of smaller particles in there is a different story.

And yes, I'm fully aware that I shouldn't worry about what crap from break-in and general wear is in the rear diff for tens of thousands of miles. Because the manual says so.

 

[Duelly Dad]

There was enough metal from break in to warrant a change in fluid, all new fluids will be clear in color and not look like this. The resin I posted this is because there has been people that said there fluids have looked like new with miles on them. I’ve have 4 rams sense 2003 and everyone of them looked like this at 15-18K. IMO 75-85 is to try and meet mpg and nothing more then that.

 

[Minnow101]

Why the addition of the steering stabilizers?

 

[Duelly Dad]

Why the addition of the steering stabilizers?

Really just to give it extra help with the road,

 

[Sliver CTD]

It’s a good thing I no longer have AAM’s :stirpot:

What front axle does a 4500 have?

 

[zran22]

Really just to give it extra help with the road,

Do these stabilizers decrease the amount of "travel" while on the road? I've noticed that the truck likes to wander just a hair on its own.

 

[Duelly Dad]

Do these stabilizers decrease the amount of "travel" while on the road? I've noticed that the truck likes to wander just a hair on its own.

Not really, they absorb more of the road shock from bumps, imperfection from crappy roads. What helps with the wondering is a steering box stabilizer. I’ve installed these on my 2500 4x4 and this 3500 4x4 and has helped out both trucks a bunch. Between two the two it has made a big difference from the stock form.

 

[67_CTD]

What should the differential cover bolts be torqued to, and how much do each of the SRW units hold?

 

[zran22]

Do these stabilizers decrease the amount of "travel" while on the road? I've noticed that the truck likes to wander just a hair on its own.

Not really, they absorb more of the road shock from bumps, imperfection from crappy roads. What helps with the wondering is a steering box stabilizer. I’ve installed these on my 2500 4x4 and this 3500 4x4 and has helped out both trucks a bunch. Between two the two it has made a big difference from the stock form.

Awesome. I’ll take a look at them. Sounds like a great mod.

 

[zran22]

What should the differential cover bolts be torqued to

“Should” is 33 ft lbs. With loctite I tightened them to 22 ft lbs with no issues.

 

[Grit dog]

What should the differential cover bolts be torqued to, and how much do each of the SRW units hold?

Torque is 1 hand snug tight with a short wrench, lol. Don't worry about torque unless you can't control gorilla mitting the bolts.
7 qts will do front and rear with a splash leftover IIRC.