Page 350 of 455

▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............367
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............367
▫Steering Linkage—Inspection............368
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication.............368
▫Body Lubrication.....................369
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................369
▫Windshield Washers...................369
▫Exhaust System......................370
▫Cooling System.......................371
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......375
▫Brake System........................376
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................377
▫Clutch Linkage.......................378▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................378
▫Transfer Case........................379
▫Front Drive Shaft.....................379
▫Manual Transmission..................379
▫Automatic Transmission................380
▫Front Wheel Bearings..................383
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........383
▫Noise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty.........................384
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................388
Fuse And Relay Center...................393
Vehicle Storage........................393
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 379 of 455

Limited-Slip Differentials
Power Wagon AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Drive Shaft
The front drive shaft contains a grease fitting which
should be serviced at every oil change (see maintenance
schedule A/B).
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4”(6.4
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle
is on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection G56 (6–Speed Manual
Transmission—If Equipped)
This transmission does not require periodic changing. If
it becomes necessary to add or change the fluid in this
transmission, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
7
Page 380 of 455

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check–545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the“HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 381 of 455

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two“COLD”(lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the“HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that 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 accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
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Page 382 of 455

Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed as specified in
the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 383 of 455

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings will
“purge”excess grease and the bearing will look slightly
wet. This is normal. Periodic inspection for excess play is
recommended.
Rear Wheel Bearings—Manufacturer’s Axles
These bearings are normally considered permanently
lubricated. Cleaning and repacking is required only
when axle shafts are removed or in case of extreme water
or dust contamination.
Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for the
lubrication of wheel bearings and chassis components.
This symbol (an example is shown below) is located on
the grease container and identifies the application and
quality of the grease.
There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter“G”) and
those for chassis (Letter
“L”) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highest
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
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Page 408 of 455
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid (G-56) MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting. Use Mopartype MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
Front and Rear Axle Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch Rear AxlesDO
NOT REQUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 412 of 455

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate the driveshaft grease fitting and tie rod end
links.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
412 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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