430
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not
required. However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with water,
etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed
Transmission
For the proper maintenance intervals
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.),
or if the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance and life. Use only the
manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid
page 485. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transmission; only the
approved lubricant should be used.
R
EAR
A
XLE
A
ND
4
X
4 F
RONT
D
RIVING
A
XLE
F
LUID
L
EVEL
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level
page 485. This inspection should be made
with the vehicle in a level position.
To check the axle fluid, park the vehicle on a
level surface. Take a piece of wire (or zip tie)
and make a 90 degree bend two inches from
the end of the wire. Insert the wire into the fill
plug hole and use it like a dipstick. Remove the
wire and measure from the 90 degree bend to
the oil level.
For the 2500 (Non-Power Wagon) axles, the
fluid level should be 4/5 in ± 1/4 in (20.3 mm
± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole for the rear axle
and it should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ±
6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the front axle.
For the 2500 Power Wagon and all 3500 model
axles, the fluid level should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the
9.25 in front, 11.5 in rear axle, and 12.0 in rear
axle.
Drain And Refill
For the proper maintenance intervals
Lubricant Selection
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differ
-
ential components. Operation of the vehicle in
water, as may be encountered in some
off-highway types of service, will require
draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder, and
(for six-speed transmissions) will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes
21_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 430
