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Steering Linkage — Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent
leakage or contamination of the grease.
Front Prop Shaft Lubrication
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change listed in the appropriate Maintenance Schedule
for your vehicle (Schedule “A” and “B”). Use Mopar
type MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings
The front axle universal joint and pivot bearings are
permanently lubricated and do not require servicing.
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting
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WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine! The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
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CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34°F (37°C ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Brake Hoses
Inspection should be performed whenever the brake
system is serviced or at intervals specified. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing or worn
spots. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
Clutch Linkage
If the clutch pedal linkage begins to squeak or grunt, the
clutch pedal pivot bushings should be lubricated. Refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct
lubricant type. Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For Model 9.25 Front Axles and 10.5”/11.5” Rear Axles
refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. For normal service, periodic fluid
level checks are not required. When the vehicle is ser-
viced for other reasons, the exterior surfaces of the axle
assembly should be inspected.
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a
level position. The fluid level should be 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4
mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25” Front Axle.
The fluid level should be 3/4” ± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on all 10.5” and 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4 mm
± 6.4 mm) on 11.5” Rear Axles.
Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
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with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials in vehicles equipped with
10.5”/11.5” Axles DO NOT REQUIRE any limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
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” 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.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between
the two holes. If the fluid level indicates low, add
sufficient fluid to bring to the proper level.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly seated.
Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmis-
sion 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
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 the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands
adjusted (if equipped) ) as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles having severe usage should
follow Maintenance Schedule “B” of the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
•Off-the-highway operation;
•Trailer towing;
•Snow plow operation;
•Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather. NOTE:
If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition 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 housing will look
slightly wet. This is normal.
•Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
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Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty
For 3500 Two-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive mod-
els over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating.
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in the
United States are required to comply with the Federal
Government’s Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehicles
can be identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator’s compartment.
Required Maintenance For Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (9 600 km), whichever
comes first, to assure proper operation of the noise
control systems. In addition, inspection and service
should be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
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