RAM CHASSIS CAB 2024, Owner'S Manual

Page: 304 / 360

CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accu-
rate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm
the fluid.
Fluid And Filter Changes — 8-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. How-
ever, 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 — 6-Speed
Transmission
For the proper maintenance intervals page 279.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission 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 340. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in
any transmission; only the approved lubricant should be
used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and (for 6-speed transmissions) will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes
page 340.
REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT
DRIVING AXLE FLUID LEVEL
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 with the vehicle in a level position.
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in
a level position. The fluid level at room temperature
should be as follows:
3500 Front Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the bottom of the fill hole.
3500 Rear Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Front Axle: ¼ inch +/- ¼ inch (6.4 mm ±
6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Rear Axle: 1/8 inch +/- 1/8 inch (3.2 mm
+/- 3.2 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain
the axle fluid.
For the proper maintenance intervals page 279.
Lubricant Selection
For further information page 340.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in
corrosion and possible failure of differential compo-
nents. 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.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE
limited slip oil
additive (friction modifiers).
4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug
302 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE