Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 51

0 - 26 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The automatic transmission fluid should be
changed and bands adjusted at the intervals de­
scribed i n the Maintenance Schedules section of this
Group. The automatic transmission should be in­
spected for fluid leaks and proper fluid level when
other under hood service is performed. Refer to
Group 21, Transmission for proper service proce­
dures.
CAUTION: To minimize fluid contamination, verify
that dipstick
is
seated in the
fill
tube after fluid level
reading is taken.
TO INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface.
(2) Start engine and allow to idle i n PARK for at
least 60 seconds. The warmer the transmission fluid,
the more- accurate the reading.
(3) While sitting i n driver seat, apply brakes and
place gear selector i n each position. Return gear se­
lector to park.
(4) Raise hood and remove transmission fluid level
indicator (dipstick) and wipe clean with a suitable
cloth.
(5) Install dipstick and verify i t is seated i n fill
hole or tube.
CAUTION: Do not overfill automatic transmission,
leakage or damage can result.
(6) Remove dipstick, with handle above tip, take
fluid level reading. I f the vehicle has been driven for
at least 15 minutes before inspecting fluid level,
transmission can be • considered hot and reading
should be above the WARM mark. I f vehicle has run
for less than 15 minutes and more than 60 seconds
transmission can be considered warm and reading
should be above ADD mark. Add fluid only i f level is
below ADD mark on dipstick when transmission is
warm.
SELECTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar ATF Plus
(automatic transmission fluid type 7176) be used to
add to or replace automatic transmission fluid. I f
ATF Plus is not available use Mopar Dexron I I Auto­
matic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
TRANSFER CASE (4WD VEHICLES)
The transfer case should be inspected for oil leaks
and proper oil level when other under vehicle service
is performed. To inspect the transfer case oil level,
position the vehicle on a level surface and remove fill
plug from the case housing. The oil level should be at
the bottom edge of oil fill opening.
The transfer case requires periodic maintenance at
the intervals described i n the Maintenance Schedules
sections of this Group. For proper diagnostic and ser­
vice procedures, refer to Group 21, Transmission and
Transfer Case.
SELECTING LUBRICANT
Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar ATF Plus
(automatic transmission fluid type 7176) be used to
fill the transfer case. I f ATF Plus is not available use
Mopar Dexron I I Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent.
FRONT AXLE
The front axle does not require periodic mainte­
nance. Inspect the axle for oil leaks or damage and
proper oil level when other under vehicle service is
performed. Oil leaks should be repaired before re­
turning vehicle to use. I f the oil appears milky or
foamy i t is probably water contaminated. I f contami­
nation is evident, change the axle lubricant. Refer to
Group 2, Front Suspension and Axle for proper ser­
vice procedures.
LUBRICANT LEVEL
7-1/4 Inch Axle—approximately 17 mm (0.75 in.)
below the bottom of the fill hole i n the differential
cover.
Dana 44—approximately 6 mm (0.25 in.) below the
bottom of the fill hole i n the differential cover.
Dana 60 or 61—approximately 12 mm (0.5 in.) be­
low the bottom of the fill hole i n the differential
cover.
The vehicle must be positioned on a level surface
before inspecting oil level.
SELECTING LUBRICANT
Use API/GL-5 SAE 80w-90, Mopar Multipurpose
Gear Lubricant or equivalent to fill the front axle.
REAR AXLE
The rear axle does not require periodic mainte­
nance. Inspect the axle for oil leaks or damage and
proper oil level when other under vehicle service is
performed. Oil leaks should be repaired before re­
turning vehicle to use. I f the oil appears milky or
foamy i t is probably water contaminated. I f contami­
nation is evident, change the axle lubricant. Refer to
Group 3, Rear Suspension and Axle for proper service
procedures.
LUBRICANT LEVEL
7- 1/4 Inch Axle—approximately 12 mm (0.5 in.)
below the bottom of the fill hole i n the differential
cover.
8- 1/4 Inch Axle—approximately 6 mm (0.25 in.)
below the bottom of the fill hole i n the differential
cover.