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Call or Text (352) 722-5295The differential on the 2014-2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
Every EcoDiesel half-ton left the factory with the 235 mm C235 rear axle, a 9.25-inch ring gear in a solid housing. Gearing was 3.55 or 3.92, and the anti-spin limited slip was an option. Four-wheel-drive trucks add a second differential in the ZF 215 mm independent front axle. Ram lists 75W-140 synthetic (MS-8985) for the rear, with 5 oz of Mopar MS-10111 limited-slip additive on anti-spin axles, and 75W-85 GL-5 synthetic for the front.
What goes wrong
The differential-specific problem on these trucks is recall 17V-198. On some 2016-2017 Ram 1500s, the screw that retains the differential pin can loosen, and the pin can then damage the differential. Symptoms include noise from the rear axle, a loss of power, or in the worst case an axle that locks. Dealers inspect the axle and replace the retaining pin under the recall. If your 2016 or 2017 truck picks up a new noise out back, check recall status before anything else.
Covers, fluid and what we carry
A stock cover does the job on a truck that does not tow. If you do tow, a heavier cover plus fresh 75W-140 at each 30,000-mile inspection is the maintenance-grade upgrade for the C235. On the cover side you can pick the cast aluminum 12-bolt cover from PPE or the D 12-9.25 cover from Mag-Hytec, and ATS Diesel Performance makes the 402-009-1000 drain plug for its own pans and covers. For fluid you'll find Royal Purple 01301 Max-Gear 75W-140 synthetic and Lucas Oil 10043 Heavy Duty 80W-90 gear oil. Only the 75W-140 matches the rear-axle grade in the owner guide.
Fitment notes
Match the oil to the axle: 75W-140 for the rear, 75W-85 for a 4x4 front. Confirm ratio and limited slip from the VIN or build sheet, since the EcoDiesel came with 3.55 or 3.92 only. Covers from the Ram 2500 and 3500 will not fit; those trucks use AAM 11.5 and 11.8 axles, not the 9.25-inch C235.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my EcoDiesel has a limited-slip rear?
The anti-spin limited slip was an option, not standard, so check your build sheet or have a dealer pull it from the VIN. It matters at service time, because a limited-slip C235 needs 5 oz of Mopar Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111) along with the 75W-140 synthetic.
What does recall 17V-198 fix?
It covers a differential pin retaining screw that can loosen on some 2016-2017 Ram 1500s, letting the pin damage the differential. Dealers inspect the axle and replace the retaining pin. Rear axle noise and loss of power are the warning signs.
Do I need new gear oil when I swap the rear cover?
Yes. The oil comes out when the cover comes off, so plan on a full refill with 75W-140 synthetic, plus the limited-slip additive if your axle is anti-spin. With the cover off, it is also a good time to look over the gears and the pin retaining screw.
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.