Page 457 of 552

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.
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 with a 5.9L Diesel Engine,
having severe usage should follow Maintenance Sched-
ule “B” of the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457
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Page 458 of 552

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.
•If a bearing assembly is accidentally separated when
servicing the brake rotors, it should be replaced.
Rear Wheel Bearings
Clean and repack when brake linings are replaced or
rotors resurfaced.
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.
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 491 of 552
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.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent. 2500/3500 axlesdo not require
limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 491
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Page 496 of 552
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
•Check Filter Minder™. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Drain water from the fuel filter.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the U-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.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting
496 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 499 of 552
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands (48RE only)X
SCHEDULE “B” 499
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Page 501 of 552
Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (96 000) (108 000) (120 000)
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Change 6 — speed manual transmission (G-56)
fluid.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands (48RE only)X
SCHEDULE “B” 501
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Page 503 of 552
Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (132 000) (144 000) (156 000) (160 000) (168 000)
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands (48 RE only).X
SCHEDULE “B” 503
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Page 505 of 552
Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X X
Inspect brake linings. X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Change 6 — speed manual transmission (G-
56) fluid.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands (48RE only)X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE “B” 505
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