This blog article will provide the necessary steps and information to change the rear differential fluid on 2019-2022 Ram 1500 models. We will also discuss the correct Ram 1500 rear differential fluid type specifications, the change interval, proper fluid capacity, and why changing your Ram 1500 rear differential fluid is so important.
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5th Gen Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Change Info
The rear differential gear oil change procedures apply to 1500 models as listed below:
- 2019-2022 Ram 1500 rear differential fluid change for 4WD Models (5th Gen)
Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Ram 1500 rear differential fluid? While it's always best to follow the manufacturers' recommendations, changing the Ram gear oil every 50,000 miles to 60,000 miles should be acceptable under usual driving conditions. However, if your truck experiences more aggressive driving, full-time/consistent 4WD engagement, off-roading, and/or frequent trailer pulling, servicing the differential fluids more frequently—like every 30,000 miles—would be recommended. Also, if using a cheaper, non-synthetic brand of fluid, the differential fluid will need to be changed more often. Following the recommended Ram 1500 rear differential fluid change intervals and the recommendations noted here can eliminate and minimize mechanical issues and costly differential repairs.
Why Should Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Gear Oil Be Changed?
Your rear Ram 1500 differential has a good amount of moving internal components. This includes bearings, pinion gears, and crown gears. These internal components rely solely on the diff fluid's lubrication film strength for protection and longevity. The diff fluid experiences excessive shear loads and various heat cycles through use. In time, these heat cycles and extreme loads deplete the differential fluid's lubricating properties and film strength. Continued use of old differential fluid will result in differential bearing, pinion gear wear, and failure. Therefore, having regular rear differential fluid changes is essential. Changing the Ram 1500 differential fluid as routine maintenance will significantly extend the life of the rear differential, minimize driveline noises due to wear, and ensure the bearings and gears receive reliable, clean lubrication.
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Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Specifications
- Ram 1500 rear differential fluid type compatible with SAE 75W90 GL5 + LS, MS-9763, MS-10111, or MS-A0160 differential fluid gear oil part numbers. (RAVENOL LS J1C1169-001-999)
- RAVENOL Gear Oil LS 75W90 GL5 is equivalent and compatible with Ram differential fluid part numbers 68218654AA, 68218655AA, 68218655CA, 68218656CA, 05010320AA, 05102232AA, 04318060AD, 04318060AC, 04318060AB, 04318060AS, 04318060BS, 83100003, 04057100, 68340460AA.
Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
- 2019 - 2022 Ram 1500 rear differential fluid fill capacity is 2.2 - 2.9 liters (2.3 - 3.0 quarts).
Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch drive 8mm hex bit socket (6 point)
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch ratchet (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch extensions (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- Waste oil drain pan container
- High temp RTV or thread sealant (the drain and fill plugs do not have sealing washers or O-rings and rely on clean threads and sealant to seal)
- Protective rubber gloves
- Optional fluid pump tool (All RAVENOL gear oil bottles come equipped with a built-in flex hose cap that works well for most gear oil applications. However, if you choose to use a different brand of gear oil, the service is much easier with a fluid pump tool and flexible hose. We offer two fluid pump tool solutions: part numbers and .)
Disclaimer: Blauparts recommend having a factory-trained A.S.E. certified Ram mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Always refer to the owner's and factory service manuals for Ram axle differential fluid changing procedures. Always wear protective gloves and wear safety glasses when handling fluids and oils.
Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Change Video Guide
Step-by-Step Ram 1500 Rear Differential Fluid Gear Oil Change Instructions
How To Step 1
Since the rear differential fluid gear oil is thicker, it is best to get the fluid warm before draining it. This can be done by taking your car for a quick 10–15-minute drive. This will allow the rear Ram 1500 differential fluid viscosity to get thinner and flow more easily from the rear differential when drained.
How To Step 2
Most Ram 1500 rear differential gear oil changes can be done on a flat-level surface without lifting the vehicle. Lifting the Ram 1500 with a floor jack, jack stands, or by an approved automotive hoist is optional when changing the rear differential fluid. The Ram 1500 should have enough ground clearance to access the rear differential area.
If lifting the vehicle, correctly refer to your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and safety procedures.
The vehicle needs to be in a level position to confirm the correct differential fluid level when refilling. If the vehicle is not level, this can cause the differential fluid level to be incorrect and could cause differential damage.
How To Step 3
Locate the rear differential fluid fill plug. This is located on the front right side of the differential closest to the driveshaft.
It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the Ram 1500 differential fluid. This will ensure you can refill the differential with fluid in case the fill plug is seized or can’t be removed.
Loosen and remove the fill plug in a counterclockwise direction using an 8mm hex-bit socket and ratchet.
How To Step 4
Locate the differential fluid drain plug. This is on the lower right corner of the differential. Loosen, and remove the drain plug in a counterclockwise direction using a 14mm hex bit socket and rachet. Allow the old dirty Ram 1500 differential fluid to thoroughly drain out of the differential into a suitable waste oil drain pan.
How To Step 5
Use a clean rag and wire brush to clean the drain and fill plugs of any excess fluid, corrosion, contaminants, and debris. Then apply a small amount of automotive grade thread sealant or high temp RTV on the drain and fill plug threads to ensure a quality seal with no leaks.
How To Step 6
Reinstall the drain plug by threading it in a clockwise direction. Tighten the drain plug using a 14mm hex bit socket and a torque wrench. In this instance, we tightened it to a 44 ft lb. torque specification.
How To Step 7
Begin filling the differential with a fluid that meets or exceeds the recommended gear oil specifications. The correct fluid level is achieved when a fluid stream begins overflowing from the differential fluid fill port.
Once the Ram 1500 fluid level has been confirmed, we recommend waiting around 5 minutes to allow any air pockets to leave the rear differential. This will often allow one or two more pumps (small amount) of gear oil to still be added. The rear differential gear oil capacity is between 2.2 and 2.9 liters depending on the exact rear differential optioned in your Ram 1500.
How To Step 8
With the Ram 1500 rear differential fluid and fill level confirmed, you can begin installing the fill plug by threading it in a clockwise direction.
Tighten the fill plug using an 8mm hex-bit socket and a torque wrench. In this instance, we are tightening it to an 18 ft lb. torque specification.
Note: As previously mentioned, using a small amount of high temp RTV or thread sealant on the drain plug and fill plug is highly recommended to confirm a reliable seal with no slow leaks.
How To Step 9
Using a rag, clean and remove all excess drained and overflowed Ram 1500 rear differential gear oil from the differential drain and fill plug locations. The rear differential should be thoroughly cleaned of all fluid residue.
This will help you inspect and confirm that the rear differential has no leaks after performing your fluid change.
How To Step 10
If you chose to lift the vehicle with an approved automotive hoist, floor jack, or jack stands, you can lower the vehicle as highlighted and referenced in your factory owner’s manual. Confirm that the correct vehicle lift point locations and procedures are followed in your factory owner's manual.
How To Step 11
Once you have the vehicle on the ground, you can take the car for a simple 5 to 10-minute test drive and then examine the Ram 1500 rear differential and confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the rear differential drain plug.
How to Step 12
Please dispose of your old rear differential fluid responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.
Note: It is good to note in your records the current mileage at the time of your rear differential fluid change and when you might want to change it next. We also recommend that you keep detailed service records to track your vehicle's condition. Keeping good vehicle maintenance records can help improve your vehicle's resale value.
See our disclaimer on the right-hand side of this page. Always consult your service manual and confirm your application's specific fluid and oil requirements. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts and RAVENOL are not affiliated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V (FCA), FCA US LLC, FCA Group Marketing S.p.A, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Mopar, ZF, BorgWarner, New Venture Gear, its affiliated companies, subsidiaries, its licensors, any other vehicle, or vehicle part manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing are displayed for identification purposes only. They are in no way intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.
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