2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Axle & Driveline Parts

Axle and driveline on the 2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel

The EcoDiesel shares its driveline with the gas Ram 1500s of the DS generation. Out back sits the Chrysler/ZF C235, a 235 mm (9.25-inch) ring-gear solid axle on a five-link coil-spring rear suspension. An anti-spin limited-slip differential was optional. Up front, 4x4 trucks carry a ZF 215 mm independent front axle, driven through the Borg-Warner 44-44 on-demand two-speed transfer case. Ram paired the diesel with 3.55 or 3.92 gears only; the 3.21 ratio was not offered with the EcoDiesel. Axle ratings on these trucks are 3,900 lb in the rear and 3,700 lb (4x2) or 3,900 lb (4x4) up front.

What fails and why

Most of the documented axle trouble on these trucks traces to factory recalls, not wear. Recall 15V-661 covers some 2015-2016 Ram 1500s built between June 17 and September 28, 2015 whose rear axles were heat-treated incorrectly; dealers inspect and replace the axle assembly as needed. Recall 16V-301 is a separate campaign for 2016 trucks built February 19 to March 3, 2016, and it covers front halfshafts that can fracture; dealers replace both. Recall 17V-198 on 2016-2017 trucks covers a differential pin retaining screw that can loosen and let the pin damage the differential. Listen for a clunk or vibration, new noise from the rear axle, or a loss of drive. If your truck falls in one of those build windows, have a Ram dealer run the VIN before you spend money on parts.

One more pattern shops see on the DS 1500 at higher mileage is a violent front-end shake after a bump at speed, often called death wobble. It is commonly traced to worn steering and suspension joints rather than the front axle itself, so start your diagnosis there.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

For a truck that commutes and hauls light, factory-spec maintenance is enough. Ram's owner guide schedules an axle fluid inspection every 30,000 miles and requires a change for fleet, off-road or frequent towing use. The rear takes SAE 75W-140 synthetic (MS-8985), plus 5 oz of Mopar Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111) if you have the anti-spin rear. The front takes 75W-85 GL-5 synthetic. If you tow, the maintenance-grade upgrade is a heavy-duty differential cover on the C235 and a 75W-140 synthetic change at those 30,000-mile points. Gearing is the other lever. Ram's 2016 towing charts rate some 3.92-geared EcoDiesels at 14,750 lb GCWR against 13,750 lb for 3.55 trucks, but Big Horn and Lone Star trucks with 3.92 stay at 13,750 lb. Find the row for your trim before you count on the higher number.

What we carry

This collection covers the rear axle and the oil that goes in it. For covers there is the PPE 9.25-inch 12-bolt heavy-duty cast aluminum rear differential cover and the Mag-Hytec D 12-9.25 rear cover, both listed for the EcoDiesel's 9.25-inch axle. ATS Diesel Performance supplies the 402-009-1000 drain plug for ATS pans and differential covers. For gear oil you'll find Royal Purple 01301 Max-Gear 75W-140 synthetic, which matches the viscosity Ram lists for the rear axle, and Lucas Oil 10043 Heavy Duty 80W-90. The 80W-90 is not the grade the owner guide lists for either axle on this truck, so confirm what your axle calls for before you fill it.

Fitment notes

The Ram 1500's 9.25-inch rear is a different axle from the AAM 11.5 and 11.8 units under the Ram 2500 and 3500. Ring-and-pinion sets, covers and shafts do not cross between them, so heavy-duty parts are not a fit here. Confirm your ratio and whether you have the anti-spin rear from the VIN or build sheet before you order gears or a differential. 4x2 trucks have no front differential. Parts for the 2014-2018 EcoDiesel and the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic generally interchange; the 2020 and later DT-body Ram 1500 is a different generation, so check each product's listed years. When in doubt, verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

What gear oil does the rear axle on a 2014-2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel take?

Ram's owner guide calls for SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil meeting MS-8985 in the rear C235 axle. If your truck has the optional anti-spin limited slip, add 5 oz of Mopar Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111). The front axle on 4x4 trucks takes 75W-85 GL-5 synthetic instead.

How often should I service the differentials?

The maintenance schedule calls for an axle fluid inspection every 30,000 miles. If you tow often, run off-road or use the truck in fleet service, Ram requires a fluid change at that interval rather than just a look. Towing owners should treat every 30,000-mile stop as a change.

Is my truck covered by an axle or differential recall?

Three campaigns touch this driveline. 15V-661 covers rear axles on some 2015-2016 trucks built June 17 to September 28, 2015. 16V-301 covers front halfshafts on 2016 trucks built February 19 to March 3, 2016. 17V-198 covers a loose differential pin retaining screw on 2016-2017 trucks. A Ram dealer can check your VIN.

Which axle ratios came with the EcoDiesel?

Ram built the EcoDiesel 1500 with 3.55 or 3.92 gears only; the 3.21 ratio was not offered with the diesel. The 3.92 is the factory towing ratio, and some 3.92 configurations carry a higher GCWR in Ram's 2016 towing charts. Pull your ratio from the VIN or build sheet before you order gears or a differential.

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.