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Call or Text (352) 722-5295Differentials on the 2018-2023 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel
Every EcoDiesel Ram 1500 rides on a coil-sprung solid rear axle, on the 2018-2019 DS body and the 2020-2023 DT alike. Trucks built as part-time 4x4 add a front differential, driven through an electronic transfer case. The Gen 3 engine in 2020-2023 trucks puts out 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm, up from 420 lb-ft on the Gen 2 in 2018-2019 trucks, and all of it ends up at the axles.
What sits inside the rear housing depends on trim. The Rebel EcoDiesel, sold from 2020, has an electronically locking rear differential. Other trims came with open or limited-slip units. Your RPO codes tell you which one you have.
What goes wrong
The verified problem is a factory one. Recall 18V556 (Ram code U88) on the 2018 Ram 1500 fixed rear differentials that were short on oil when they were built. The warning signs run in order: whine, then heat, then seizure if nobody catches it. On any 2018 with axle noise, check the oil level before you replace anything. Beyond that recall, we don't have a verified wear pattern for these axles, and we'd rather say so than guess.
What we carry
- PPE heavy-duty cast aluminum rear differential cover for the 9.25-inch, 12-bolt axle, listed for 2014-2023 3.0L EcoDiesel trucks.
- Lucas Oil 10043 Heavy Duty 80W-90 gear oil.
- Royal Purple 01301 Max-Gear 75W-140 synthetic gear oil.
- ATS Diesel Performance 402-009-1000 drain plug, a replacement for ATS pans and differential covers.
Pick the gear oil grade your owner's manual specifies for your axle. If you're swapping the cover, plan on refilling with fresh oil at the same time, since the old oil comes out when the cover does.
Fitment notes
The DS and DT are different chassis, and axle covers and mounts can be body-specific. PPE lists its cover for EcoDiesel trucks from 2014 through 2023, so confirm it with the fitment checker and your VIN before you order. Nothing here is for a 2500 or 3500; the half-ton uses a completely different axle family.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if my EcoDiesel has a locking rear differential?
The 2020 and later Rebel EcoDiesel came with an electronically locking rear differential. Other trims have open or limited-slip units. Check your RPO codes to be sure before you buy anything for the rear axle.
Should I check the gear oil on my 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel?
Yes. Recall 18V556 covered 2018 Ram 1500 rear differentials that were under-filled at the factory, and low oil can lead to whine, overheating and axle seizure. Confirm the recall was done on your VIN and check the level if the axle is noisy.
Will the PPE rear cover fit both DS and DT trucks?
PPE lists it for 2014-2023 3.0L EcoDiesel trucks with the 9.25-inch, 12-bolt rear axle, which spans both bodies. Since axle covers can differ between DS and DT, run your VIN through the fitment checker on the product page before ordering.
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.