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Differential - Fluid Level Inspection Procedure

NUMBER: 03-003-06

GROUP: Axle

DATE: October 20, 2006

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 03-001-04 REV. A, DATED MAY 11, 2004, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL MODEL YEARS.

SUBJECT:
Axle Fluid Level

MODELS:

2004 (AN) Dakota

**2004 - 2007** (DR/DH/D1/DC) Ram Truck

**2004 - 2007** (HB/HG) Durango / Aspen

**2005 - 2007** (ND) Dakota

DISCUSSION:





The axle fill holes on some Dodge Truck vehicle axles may be located considerably higher than the actual fluid level. Filling the axle until the fluid comes out of the fill hole will over fill the axle, which may cause fluid foaming. When checking fluid level or filling a rear axle with fluid, you must measure the distance from the bottom of the fill hole to the top of the actual fluid level. This can easily be accomplished using a pipe cleaner or piece of wire. Make a 90 degree bend in the wire 2 inches from the end. The wire can then be inserted into the axle fill hole to use as a dipstick. Measure the distance from the bend to the oil level. The fluid levels for the axles are shown in the table below.





CORRECT FLUID LEVELS FOR DURANGO / ASPEN:

NOTE:
The Trac-Lok feature is not available on Durango rear axles. Traction control is provided electronically through the ABS system. Trac-Lok additives or friction modifiers are not required.





CORRECT FLUID LEVELS FOR RAM TRUCK 1500:





CORRECT FLUID LEVELS FOR RAM TRUCK 2500 -3500:





CORRECT FLUID LEVELS FOR DAKOTA:

NOTE:
The Trac-Lok feature is available on Dakota rear axles. Trac-Lok additives are required on axles equipped with Trac Lok.

POLICY:
Information Only.

Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.