'03 Durango diff fluid change

[Dave Abrahamson]

I've done just about everything on vehicles except this. Seems straightforward enough. Loosen bolts,drain fluid,clean magnetic plug,clean inside cover, clean out diff case, apply sealant,torque bolts to spec, fill it back up.<br />Am I missing anything? Any hints or tips?<br />It says to change every 12,000 miles if used for towing. It is. Also it has the tow package. Mopar synthetic in it now. Probably will replace with same. Do I need a limited slip additive?<br />Thanks for putting up with all my questions.<br /><br />Dave

 

[WardenJ]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

Find out if the fluid you're using has the LSD additive already in it (most synthetics do). If not, you'll need to put some in (if you have a limited slip rear end, that is). I have Red Line 75W-90 in my Dakota. It has the additive in it already. While you're in there, make sure you take a look at the gears and make sure they're not chipped or worn or anything and that there arent any pices laying around in the bottom of the case. Also, if you do have LSD, once you fill it back up, take it for a spin and drive in a few figure 8's to work the fluid into the system.<br /><br />Is it a 4X4? (I cant remember if all Durangos are 4 wheel drive) Now might be a good time to do the front diff and the transfer case while you're in the mind set (if they havent been done). <br /><br />Barring that, you've got it, very straightforward. <br />Have fun!<br /><br />Dan

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

Thanks Dan. I'll look into the Redline.<br />And it's 2WD, too many horror stories with the wheel coming off the 4WD's and I don't require 4WD where I live thank goodness.

 

[WardenJ]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

Ah yes, the infamous balljoint failure. I've actually never heard of it actually coming to a point where the wheels fall off, though it is possible. Since the ball joints are riveted and pressed into the control arms, Dodge was just replacing the entire control arm assembly to fix the problem. I dont know if they changed this proceudre once they (finally) did a recall. <br /><br />I spent 200 bucks and bought some Moog greasable joints, ground the rivets off the uppers, had the lowers pressed out, installed the new ones, now it's a non-issue for me.

 

[jimr]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

I can't beleive they are putting synthetic gear oil in there and telling you to change it every 12K. they are counting on people coming back for service and putting the screws to them. just my 2 cents

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

I thought the same thing about the synthetic lube.<br />Wonder why that is? Where's lubedude when ya need him

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

I had a 2wd and had ball joint failures, and a tie rod break while I was driving, at 60K miles, keep that in mind. Dodge front ends are junk but they sure ride and handle nice (at least mine did). <br /><br />Oh, Moog ball joints were also what I used, 65K miles on them and they were still tight.<br /><br />-John

 

[LubeDude]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

Originally posted by Dave Abrahamson:<br /> I thought the same thing about the synthetic lube.<br />Wonder why that is? Where's lubedude when ya need him

Here I am, Here I am!!!<br /><br />Yes 12,000 miles with synthetic gear lube is a bit much, even if towing. Probably you could get by with a lifetime fill if it wasnt abused. 50-75,000 of you tow freguently.<br /><br />Some things I try and get through peoples heads is this.<br /><br />When you by a new vehicle:<br /><br />1. Change the engine oil and filter at about 500 miles and take it out into the sun and look at it. It will look like metalic paint.<br /><br />2. Change out yout transmision at the same time, auto or manual. It will look the same.<br /><br />3. Change the gear oil in the rear end if it has one after the first 3,000 mile oil change. The gear oil will look the same as the rest of the oils.<br /><br />You need to get this metal infested oil from the break in washed out of everything.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: '03 Durango diff fluid change

Dang Lubedude! I have 23,000 on it now. Wish I'd known about all the tips on fluid changes about 20,000 ago. Any suggestions on tranny fluid and rear end lube? I know Dodge ain't known for their bulletproof trannys.<br />Thanks<br /><br />Dave