How to Pick the Right Dodge Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid

To replace the Dodge Ram 1500 rear differential fluid, start by picking the right gear oil—then follow our simple guide.
Written by Melissa Harvey
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Replacing the rear differential fluid on your Dodge Ram 1500 is pretty straightforward. Just be sure to buy SAE 75W-140 GL-5 oil that meets your owner’s manual requirements. Heads up: work trucks will need their differential fluid changed more frequently! 
Owning a truck and getting a little dirty on the job seems to go hand-in-hand for many drivers, especially for those who have a DIY approach to vehicle maintenance. Replacing the rear differential fluid is a task that many vehicle owners overlook.
If replacing your Dodge Ram 1500’s rear differential fluid is a new-to-you task, you’ve come to the right place.
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Follow along here to learn how to buy, use, and replace your Dodge Ram 1500’s rear differential fluid. With Jerry, saving money on care expenses doesn't stop there—stick around till the end and see how to save money on your
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The best Dodge Ram 1500 rear differential fluid

If you want top-quality rear differential fluid recommended by Dodge specifically for your Dodge Ram 1500, look no further than MOPAR Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140
If you want to use a different brand, get a synthetic gear lubricant that meets the same requirements. Be sure that it is listed as “SAE 75W-140” so that you know you’ve got the correct viscosity, and the “GL-5” refers to the level of sulfur-based additives in the oil, which helps the lubricant do its job under pressure. 
What if you want a cheaper version, or the OEM is out of stock? Here are some alternatives

What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Dodge Ram need it?

So what, exactly, is
rear differential fluid
? What does it do for your Ram, and why does it need to be replaced? 
Rear differential fluid is a kind of motor oil that lubricates your Ram 1500’s rear axle, which helps your truck run smoothly. More importantly, it allows your rear wheels to spin at different speeds
This is extremely helpful when driving through mucky roads and hauling loads because it applies variable torque to the back wheels, helping your truck grip the road. 

How often to change Dodge Ram rear differential fluid

Indeed, rear differential fluid doesn’t work as hard as the supercritical motor oil that protects your 1500s engine, making it easy to overlook. Your owner’s manual may not even list when to replace the rear differential fluid. 
There are symptoms you can watch for that will let you know it’s time for a replacement: 
  • A burning smell from the rear gearbox 
  • Straining, howling, or whirring noises
  • Unusual vibrations when turning corners
On top of keeping your eyes, ears, and nose out for these signs of low or contaminated differential fluid, you can extend your Ram 1500’s lifespan by changing the fluid every 15,000 - 25,000 miles.
For a Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge recommends changing your rear differential fluid every 25,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. However, there are instances when you would want to do this service sooner: 
  1. If you frequently haul or tow heavy loads with your Dodge Ram 1500, it's better to change the fluid every 15,000 miles
  2. If you notice any of the above symptoms before reaching the 25,000-mile mark or if it's been longer than two years since your last replacement. 
Ready to work on that rear differential? Let’s go. 
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How to change your Ram’s differential fluid

Start by referring to your owner’s manual (to make life easier,
here’s a PDF copy
) to confirm the exact specifications for your Ram. Next, gather the following tools: 
Step 1: Slide the drain pan under your rear differential. Find the fill plug on the rear differential. The plug should be a round, slightly convex rubber part near the top quarter of your rear differential. Remove the fill plug by sliding a flat-headed screwdriver under the lip to pop it off. Slide a drain pan under your rear differential.
Step 2: Loosen the retaining bolts on the differential cover until you have a good-sized gap between the cover and the bolt head. Simply crack the seal to drain the fluid into your drip pan. 
Step 3: Remove the cover entirely and spay the parts with brake spray cleaner. Let the cleaner drain off into your drip pan. 
Step 4: Replace the gasket and the cover. Hand-tighten, all the bolts, then use a socket wrench to tighten the rest of the way. Torque the bolts to 20-foot pounds. 
Step 5: Fill the differential with gear oil until the oil is level with the bottom of the fill plug. A little bit of the oil will drip out when the gearbox is topped-off. Replace the plug. 
MORE: Are Dodge and Ram the same company? 

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