Chrysler recommends changing the differential
fluid on Ram pickups at 15000 miles Iv never had to do this on any previous vehicles, cant find anyone to say why. My 1500 has an open differential, so is it exempt from this change?

The prime reason for changing any fluid in a metallic embodiment is to remove the suspended particulates and heat generated acid buildup which, in time, will violate the integrity of the viscosity of the fluid. It's cheap enough to do with some degree of regularity, however, I suspect it is seldom really done. There is no combustion taking place in the differential, ergo, no carbon build up like in the motor oil which needs changing frequently.

I think at least some of the recommended maintenance is as much CYA as anything else.

Good Luck!

I am with 'Nardo on this one. It does need to be done and a lot of people don't. The oil is made from petroleum and is prone to breaking down. This means that the suspended particulate and acid buildup are not the only factors here. The gear oil will break down over time and use and will eventually begin to tear up your gears little by little.

However, like Leo said many people don't do it. I've had older folks come into the shop with older vehicles and their manuel transmission oil and differential oil were black. And original.

I would change it but I don't think you have to do it every 15k. I would only change it at that frequency when you tow things.

Chrysler is recommending that interval due to some problems they have been having with the rear ends. Go to www.dodgetruckworld.com & search in the 3rd generation forum & you will find enough info there to scare you.

Here's a link to some of the threads.

http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/forums/topic.ten?id=135019&q=rear+end

http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/forums/topic.ten?id=73748&q=axle+broke

http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/forums/topic.ten?id=67692&q=axle+broke

some pics of the damage to 1 truck
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/mygallery.ten?id=4798&album=9747

Most of the guys here are saying that DC is trying to find any reason they can to deny the claim. I am servicing my rear end & keeping the reciepts just in case.

yeap nardo! and CYA

The reason to change the fluid is to get rid of any particals present and also any other contaminants in there. rear ends are prone to water intrusion from the vent on the housing and as with any fluid it does form a little condensation. Most axles used now have synthetic oil in them. When we change the fluid at the dealership we also check the ring gear for any premature wear.
If you are running the 20 inch wheels, you need to check it because the retainer likes to break and wear into the housing--this equals a costly repair. It is very cheap to do your self, there is no gasket just silicone and about 3 qts fluid.
Very cheap piece of mind!

If it is limited slip you need the LDS additive to keep the diff from making too much noise.

That is correct, but you can get the additive at any auto parts store. If the truck has the new American axle in it the the additive is already in the fluid (smells like grape juice when drained out)