2004 Dodge Ram 1500

[squirrel dog]

Is it doable to service the rear end,truck has 36k and I would like to replace the gear oil in the rear end,I have never tried this b4.

 

[Trashman]

That's a good weekend job to do, just make sure you buy correct gear lube for your rear diff. should be in owners manual or possibly switch to a synthetic lube.
Here's a little guide to see and read on how to do, its a Gm truck in guide, Chevy owner here, but shouldn't be no different--------LINK

With only 36K on your truck, it wouldn't be necessary to remove diff cover, drain plug would be fine, if your diff has a plug that is, but that choice is yours.

Good Luck and have some fun.

 

[Iron Woode]

draining the fluid is a real messy job if there is no drain plug.

get a proper drain pan.

undo the bottom 2 bolts till loose. Break the seal with a flat screwdriver. Fluid should be coming out. It will stink like hell.

the best advice is to get a service manual for it.

You will need the correct fluid and check to see if you require the limited slip additive.

Fill it through the fill plug with a hand pump.

It should take no more than an hour to do this job.

wear some crappy clothes while doing this stuff.

edit: I simplified the procedure by not mentioning a gasket. some only require a bead of silicone to seal the cover.

 

[Bignate603]

Get a service manual, but this is something that a relatively inexperienced person can do in an afternoon. Keep checking the rear end for a few days though if this is your first time for any leaks. Having your fluid leak out can kill your differential pretty quickly. Besides getting a bad seal, you really can't screw it up too badly.