Differential & Transfer Case service at 50k miles??

[Jvmes1]

I have a 2019 Bighorn 4x4 3.6L with 50k miles on it. I went in for an oil change today and the dealer told me I need to do a bunch of recommended services, including changing the differential fluids and transfer case fluid for $535. The paper they gave me said this should be done at 40k miles. I checked the manual and it doesn't say to do this until 100k+. The service tech said if I don't do it and have the records, then if the differential becomes shot within my warranty period FCA won't cover it. Is this true, and do I need to be changing these fluids every 50k miles? The paper also lists a Fuel Induction service to be done at 40k miles; I can't find that in the book at all. Appreciate any insight & advice!

 

[Dewey]

Sound like crooks to me. I would run far from them and find a different dealer.

 

[Mountain Whiskey]

They can print whatever they want. They don't hold the warranty. Chrysler wrote the book not those yahoos.

 

[6of36]

I have a 2019 Bighorn 4x4 3.6L with 50k miles on it. I went in for an oil change today and the dealer told me I need to do a bunch of recommended services, including changing the differential fluids and transfer case fluid for $535. The paper they gave me said this should be done at 40k miles. I checked the manual and it doesn't say to do this until 100k+. The service tech said if I don't do it and have the records, then if the differential becomes shot within my warranty period FCA won't cover it. Is this true, and do I need to be changing these fluids every 50k miles? The paper also lists a Fuel Induction service to be done at 40k miles; I can't find that in the book at all. Appreciate any insight & advice!

My brother had the services done a couple months ago on his. As I recall, it cost him about $350, with an oil change too. I am not positive on the price, but he was surprised his bill wasn't more. Transmission fluid change is another story. That will be $350 or more. The filter is part of the pan, so it has to be replaced too.

 

[Jvmes1]

Thanks everybody. How often do you all change differential and transfer case fluids? To provide more context, I use 4x4 probably 2-3 times a year, mostly driving on the beach.

 

[yankeefan31569]

same situation, 2019 BH CC 5.7 non-e, went in for synth oil change and tire rotation, im at 62k they wanted me to change transmiasion fluid radiator fluid power steering and both front and rear diff's and transfer case $891 no thanks i said change the oil and rotate the tires...

 

[6of36]

same situation, 2019 BH CC 5.7 non-e, went in for synth oil change and tire rotation, im at 62k they wanted me to change transmiasion fluid radiator fluid power steering and both front and rear diff's and transfer case $891 no thanks i said change the oil and rotate the tires...

Power steering is electric, so I wouldn't change that either.

 

[HSKR R/T]

People, stop buying into dealership BS. If you are out of warranty, stop going to dealer. As long as you follow the maintenance schedule in owners manual your warranty will be upheld.

 

[Cbty2050]

People, stop buying into dealership BS. If you are out of warranty, stop going to dealer. As long as you follow the maintenance schedule in owners manual your warranty will be upheld.

You will find the same sales tactics at independent shops also. You can find crap service all over in the auto repair industry.

1st some people think the transmission should be serviced at 60k miles, yet the manufacturer states never. The differential service is recommended at 100k miles by manufacturer, now a dealer recommends at a different mileage and the same people get upset. Can't have it both ways.

Service all driveline fluids(including transmission) at 60k miles for normal use. If towing, using 4x4 often, or if fluid looks dirty replace more often/as needed.

 

[HSKR R/T]

You will find the same sales tactics at independent shops also. You can find crap service all over in the auto repair industry.

1st some people think the transmission should be serviced at 60k miles, yet the manufacturer states never. The differential service is recommended at 100k miles by manufacturer, now a dealer recommends at a different mileage and the same people get upset. Can't have it both ways.

Service all driveline fluids(including transmission) at 60k miles for normal use. If towing, using 4x4 often, or if fluid looks dirty replace more often/as needed.

Despite what your owners manual and RAM want you to believe, your transmission fluid is not lifetime fill. It breaks down with heat and use. Gets contaminated with wear materials, the filter gets dirty. If you don't change it, that's just asking for expensive transmission problems down the road when you now liner have a warranty to fall back on.

More people need to have a basic understanding on vehicle maintenance to prevent getting screwed over. As far as independent shops vs dealers, an independent shop will usually have your best interest in mind to keep you as a customer, and build a relationship. Not always, but usually. Dealers usually don't care about that. They know they have you, at least during warranty period, and the more unscrupulous ones will hold that warranty over your head as reasons to do unneeded service banking on the average car owner not knowing any better.

 

[Cbty2050]

Despite what your owners manual and RAM want you to believe,

Changing the rear diff at 100k miles is a good practice? As I said before ALL driveline fluids should be changed at 60k miles.

 

[6of36]

Ram says trans fluid change not necessary, but the trans manufacturer says 60,000 miles.

 

[Cbty2050]

Ram says trans fluid change not necessary, but the trans manufacturer says 60,000 miles.

Most people know this. What are you going to do for transmission maint?

 

[6of36]

Most people know this. What are you going to do for transmission maint?

What will I do? At 60,000 I will change the fluid, and replace the factory pan with an aftermarket one that has a replaceable filter, for future fluid changes.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Changing the rear diff at 100k miles is a good practice? As I said before ALL driveline fluids should be changed at 60k miles.

That wasn't me saying to listen to the dealer or owners manual on those things.

 

[wallyuwl]

Thanks everybody. How often do you all change differential and transfer case fluids? To provide more context, I use 4x4 probably 2-3 times a year, mostly driving on the beach.

I plan to change the rear differential fluid myself this summer with Valvoline synthetic. It is easier than changing the oil. Right now at 33k miles and put on about 1k per month. I don't even think I used 4x4 once last winter, and maybe 3 or 4 times since having the truck (less than 1 hour total of driving). I don't plan to change front diff and transfer until 100k miles, if I keep the truck that long. Will do transmission fluid, plugs, and belt probably at 80k or so. Brake fluid after 5 years or when it needs brakes, whichever is first.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I plan to change the rear differential fluid myself this summer with Valvoline synthetic. It is easier than changing the oil. Right now at 33k miles and put on about 1k per month. I don't even think I used 4x4 once last winter, and maybe 3 or 4 times since having the truck (less than 1 hour total of driving). I don't plan to change front diff and transfer until 100k miles, if I keep the truck that long. Will do transmission fluid, plugs, and belt probably at 80k or so. Brake fluid after 5 years or when it needs brakes, whichever is first.

Just an FYI, it's a good idea to at least cycle the transfer case through the different modes every now and then, even if you don't drive it in 4wd. Just to make sure imthe linkage will still move so you know it will work when/if you actually need it.

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Changed all mine (except transmission) at roughly 35k to Amsoil. I plan to do the transmission @ 60k as I've towed a decent amount with this truck, probably around 5k miles so far.

 

[Nascar Tommy]

I'm so lucky my local dealer is fantastic. We're in a small town so we're all neighbors. They have the small shop mentality of taking care of customer in order to keep them.
I started taking all my vehicles there.

 

[Biga]

I would skip the dealer, I had the dealer do my rear diff and they forgot to put the anti friction modifier back in, took two more trips back to the dealer to get it right. Not sure where they are hiring these people but they can't even do a simple diff service.