maintenance
Differential Service
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
10
Steps
11
Service the front and rear differentials by draining old gear oil, cleaning magnetic drain plugs, and refilling with fresh manufacturer-specified lubricant.
Warnings
⚠Gear oil may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow differentials to cool for at least 30 minutes.
⚠Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely on jack alone.
ℹ️Front and rear differentials require different lubricant specifications. Do not interchange fluids.
Tools required
3/8" drive ratchet and socket setEssential
Torque wrench (30-150 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity)Essential
Fluid transfer pump or squeeze bottleEssential
Wire brush
Shop ragsEssential
Jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Nitrile gloves
Safety glasses
Parts
- Rear differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Front differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant — 2 qt
- 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 1.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
- Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Allow differentials to cool if vehicle was recently operated
- Verify you have correct fluid types: Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic for rear, 75W-90 GL-5 for front
Procedure
- 1Access rear differential drain plugLocate the rear differential housing. Position drain pan beneath the differential drain plug on the bottom of the housing. Clean area around drain plug with wire brush to prevent contamination.
- 2Drain rear differentialRemove the rear differential drain plug using appropriate socket. Allow all gear oil to drain completely into pan (approximately 2 quarts). Inspect magnetic drain plug for excessive metal debris. Clean drain plug thoroughly with shop rag. Install new washer on drain plug.⚠Gear oil may drain quickly initially. Position drain pan to catch full flow.Torque specDrain Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 3Reinstall rear differential drain plugThread drain plug with new washer into differential housing by hand to avoid cross-threading. Torque drain plug to specification using torque wrench.Torque specDrain Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 4Refill rear differentialLocate fill plug on side or rear of differential housing. Remove fill plug. Using fluid transfer pump, add Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant through fill hole until fluid begins to seep from fill opening (approximately 2.0 quarts). Allow to settle for 30 seconds and top off if needed.Torque specFill Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 5Secure rear differential fill plugClean threads of fill plug with shop rag. Thread fill plug into housing by hand, then torque to specification.Torque specFill Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 6Access front differentialLower vehicle and reposition jack stands to support front of vehicle securely. Position drain pan beneath front differential drain plug. Clean area around drain plug.
- 7Drain front differentialRemove front differential drain plug. Allow all gear oil to drain completely (approximately 1.5 quarts). Inspect magnetic drain plug for metal debris. Clean drain plug thoroughly and install new washer.Torque specDrain Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 8Reinstall front differential drain plugThread drain plug with new washer into front differential housing by hand. Torque drain plug to specification.Torque specDrain Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 9Refill front differentialRemove front differential fill plug. Using fluid transfer pump, add 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil through fill hole until fluid begins to seep from fill opening (approximately 1.5 quarts). Top off as needed after allowing fluid to settle.⚠Verify you are using 75W-90 GL-5 for front differential, NOT the 75W-140 used in rear.Torque specFill Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 10Secure front differential fill plugClean and install fill plug, threading by hand first. Torque fill plug to specification.Torque specFill Plug55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 11Lower vehicle and verifyWipe down both differentials to remove any spilled fluid. Inspect drain and fill plugs for leaks. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands and remove jack stands and wheel chocks.
Reassembly
- Dispose of used gear oil properly at recycling center or automotive shop
- Record mileage and date of service for maintenance tracking
Verification
- Start vehicle and allow to idle briefly, then move forward and backward slowly to circulate new gear oil
- Re-inspect both differentials for any leaks around drain and fill plugs after short test drive
- Check that differential housings are not dripping and plugs are secure