This procedure drains and refills the front and rear differential gear oil on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, ensuring proper lubrication and longevity of the axle components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (front differential) — 1.5 qt
• Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (rear differential) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Lift front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame rail points.
4. Lift rear of vehicle and secure on jack stands at axle or frame points.
5. Allow differentials to cool if vehicle was recently driven.
6. Position drain pan under rear differential drain plug.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and clean rear differential drain plug
   The rear differential drain plug is located at the bottom rear of the AAM 11.5" rear axle housing. Use a wire brush to clean around the drain plug to prevent contaminants from entering when the plug is removed. The plug requires a 10mm hex (Allen) socket.
2. 2

   Remove rear differential fill plug first
   Locate the fill plug on the rear of the differential housing (upper position). Remove the fill plug using a 10mm hex socket before draining to ensure you can refill the differential after draining. If the fill plug is seized and cannot be removed, do not drain the differential.
   ⚠Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug to avoid draining a differential that cannot be refilled due to a seized fill plug.
3. 3

   Drain rear differential
   Position drain pan under the drain plug. Using a 10mm hex socket, slowly loosen and remove the rear differential drain plug and washer. Allow all gear oil to drain completely into the pan (approximately 5-10 minutes). Inspect the drained fluid for metal particles or contamination.
4. 4

   Reinstall rear differential drain plug
   Clean the drain plug threads and magnetic tip if equipped. Install a new drain plug washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Refill rear differential
   Using a fluid pump or squeeze bottle with tube extension, pump Mopar 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant into the fill hole until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole opening. The rear differential capacity is approximately 2.0 quarts. Fluid level is correct when it reaches the bottom of the fill hole.
6. 6

   Install rear differential fill plug
   Wipe away any excess fluid from around the fill hole. Thread the fill plug in by hand, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 10mm hex socket.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Move to front differential and clean drain area
   Reposition the drain pan under the front differential. The front differential is an AAM 9.25" axle. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the differential housing and clean the area with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Remove front differential fill plug
   Locate the fill plug on the front differential housing (typically on the passenger side, upper position). Remove the fill plug using a 10mm hex socket before draining. Verify the fill plug can be removed before proceeding with draining.
9. 9

   Drain front differential
   Using a 10mm hex socket, loosen and remove the front differential drain plug and washer. Allow all gear oil to drain completely (approximately 5-10 minutes). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or contamination that may indicate bearing or gear wear.
10. 10

    Reinstall front differential drain plug
    Clean the drain plug threads and magnetic tip. Install a new drain plug washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug in by hand, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Refill front differential
    Using a fluid pump or squeeze bottle with tube, pump 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil into the fill hole until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole opening. The front differential capacity is approximately 1.5 quarts. The correct fluid level is reached when fluid is at the bottom of the fill hole.
12. 12

    Install front differential fill plug
    Wipe away excess fluid from around the fill hole. Thread the fill plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Wipe down both differentials to remove any spilled gear oil.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully.
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern if wheels were removed.
4. Dispose of used gear oil properly at a recycling center or automotive shop.

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature, then shift through all gears including 4WD if applicable.
• Drive vehicle for 10-15 miles, including turns in both directions to distribute new gear oil throughout the differentials.
• Re-check both differential fill plugs for leaks after test drive.
• Inspect the ground under the vehicle after it has been parked for any signs of leaking gear oil from drain or fill plugs.

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