2010-2018 Ram 6.7L Cummins Axle & Driveline Parts

Axles and driveline on the 2010-2018 RAM 6.7L Cummins

The fourth-generation Ram 2500 and 3500 put the 6.7L Cummins on American Axle hardware at both ends. Four-wheel-drive trucks use the AAM 9.25-inch solid front axle, the same front axle family Ram has run under its heavy-duty 4x4s since 2003. Out back, the AAM 11.5-inch rear sits under the 2010-2013 2500 and 3500 and the 2014-2018 2500, while later 3500s can carry the larger 11.8-inch ring gear. That is why rebuild kits for 2014-and-later trucks are cataloged to cover both sizes. The 2013 model year changed a lot underneath: a new frame, a wider and stronger front suspension, and a front-axle disconnect on 4x4 trucks for better fuel economy. Behind the engine sits a 68RFE automatic, a G56 six-speed manual, or on 2013-and-later 3500 High Output trucks the Aisin AS69RC, and all of that torque ends up in these axles.

What fails and why

Driveline trouble on these pickups shows up as scattered owner reports more than a strong pattern. Some 2012 owners have reported transfer case and front driveshaft failures between about 50,000 and 220,000 miles, with a bang from the driveline, loss of four-wheel drive or a new vibration as the warning signs. Those are anecdotal reports, not a recall. Service matters as well: one 2015 3500 owner reported a differential seizure after an oil change, with a howl and then lockup. On the chassis-cab side, 2012-2021 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs were recalled under 21V-398 because over-tightened flanged lug nuts broke wheel studs and let wheels separate, and some 2015 3500 owners report stud fractures too. For most pickup owners, the parts you actually handle in this system are the gear oil, the covers and the seal between cover and housing, and that is what this collection is built around.

Gear oil and service intervals

Ram's differential spec for these trucks is SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 GL-5 synthetic. On the severe-service schedule, 2010-2017 trucks get fresh gear oil every 15,000 miles or 12 months, and 2018 trucks stretch that to 20,000 miles. Fluid service means opening the axle, which is why a rear cover gasket, a cover bolt kit and a drain plug sit next to the covers here.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

The stock path is simple: factory-spec gear oil on the factory interval, with a fresh gasket whenever a cover comes off. For owners who tow heavy or step up to bigger tires, there are two documented upgrade paths. The first is a finned aluminum differential cover, which adds fluid capacity and cooling. The second is re-gearing; ring-and-pinion sets cataloged for the 2014-and-later 11.5 rear come in 3.42, 3.73, 4.11, 4.30, 4.56 and 4.88. Gear sets are not part of this collection, so if a regear is on your list, call the shop and we will work through ratio and fitment with you. Covers bolt on and pair naturally with your next fluid service.

What we carry

• Differential covers: heavy-duty cast aluminum front and rear covers from Pacific Performance Engineering, 9.25 front and 11.5 rear covers from Mag-Hytec, single covers and matched front-and-rear packs from BD Diesel, an AAM 11.5 rear cover from Wehrli Custom Fabrication, and the Banks Power Ram-Air Differential Cover Kit.
• Hardware: the PPE rear cover gasket, a WCFab rear cover bolt kit, and an ATS Diesel Performance drain plug made for ATS pans and differential covers.
• Gear oil: Lucas Oil synthetic and heavy-duty gear oils, Hot Shot's Secret Blue Diamond HD synthetic and ADRENALINE synthetic racing gear oils, and Royal Purple Max-Gear 75W-140 synthetic.

Fitment notes

• Front covers split by bolt count. The 14-bolt 9.25 cover is listed through 2012 on the 3500 and through 2013 on the 2500. The 12-bolt 9.25 cover is listed for the 2013-and-later 3500 and the 2014-and-later 2500. Read each listing's year range closely around that changeover.
• Front covers are 4x4 parts. The 9.25 front axle is only on four-wheel-drive trucks, so a 2WD truck needs only the rear.
• Rear covers are AAM 11.5 parts. Rear gear and overhaul kits split at 2013/2014 and between the 11.5 and the 11.8, so confirm your axle by the tag or ring-gear size, not by model year alone.
• 2014-2018 2500 coil-spring rear. The 2500 moved to a five-link coil rear for 2014, and some rear covers come in versions made for it, such as the Mag-Hytec CS cover and the BD Diesel RCS cover.
• Chassis cabs. Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs share the engine but use different frames; verify their fitment separately.

When in doubt, verify by VIN or run the truck through the fitment checker on the product page.

Frequently asked questions

Which front differential cover fits my 2010-2018 Ram 2500 or 3500?

It comes down to bolt count. Earlier trucks use the 14-bolt AAM 9.25 front cover, listed through 2012 on the 3500 and 2013 on the 2500, and later trucks use the 12-bolt version. Count the bolts on your current cover or check by VIN before you order.

What gear oil does the 6.7L Cummins Ram take?

The spec is SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 GL-5 synthetic. Severe-service changes come every 15,000 miles or 12 months on 2010-2017 trucks and every 20,000 miles on 2018 trucks. Check the rating on the bottle against that spec before you pour.

Is a finned aluminum differential cover worth it?

For towing and big-tire builds, it is one of the documented upgrades for this axle. A finned aluminum cover adds fluid capacity and cooling, and it goes on during a normal fluid change, so the labor overlaps with service you already owe the truck.

How can I tell whether my rear axle is an AAM 11.5 or 11.8?

Go by the axle tag or the ring-gear size, not the model year. Rear gear and overhaul kits split at 2013/2014 and between the two sizes, and the rear covers in this collection are listed for the AAM 11.5. If the tag is missing or unreadable, call the shop and we will help you sort it out.

Did the 2013 update change the front axle?

The front axle is still the AAM 9.25, but 2013 brought a new frame, a wider and stronger front suspension and a front-axle disconnect on 4x4 trucks. The front cover moved from 14 bolts to 12 around the same changeover, so a cover for an early truck will not bolt onto a later one.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.