Replacing Fluids before summer arrives

[1slowford]

Currently have 8K miles on the vehicle and buying it used I like to make sure everything is as it should be so i'm looking to drain and replace all fluids in trans, diff and coolant system before summer hits and the miles begin to be put on but i'm curious as to what you guys and gals are using for these applications? I'm a huge fan of Mobil 1 products but am open to suggestions of anything better suited for these cars. Car is not a track queen but will be driven hard on the street when being used and will see 3-5k per year of use in Texas heat and humidity.

[ViperGeorge]

I would only use Mopar fluid part number 68197927AA in the diff, your dealer can order it as they probably don't stock it. This fluid is specified for the Viper's Visco Lock differential. The fluid is actually Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140 Synthetic. In terms of oil, I use Mobil 1 15/50 in my ACR and Penzoil 0/40 in my GTS. The ACR sees track duty but the GTS does not. I would use Mobil 1 in the GTS as well but I have some Penzoil that I received at last year's Viper event in Hastings, NE. Also be sure to use the SRT oil filter, nothing else is as good for the Viper's high oil pressure. Can't speak to the trans though.

Technically the diff fluid only needs to be changed at 10,000 miles. Also grease the ball joints. Check the inside e-brake pad as they tend to wear out (not as fast as the Gen 3/4s but they still do).

[Steve-Indy]

IF you have trouble getting the diff fluid through your dealer (last year, we waited over one month for Mopar to deliver it to a CJDR dealer who services many Vipers)...you can get it at a Mercedes dealer as it is used in AMG's and is in stock. This "Castrol Syntrax Limited Slip 75W-140" comes in 0.5 liter bottles with a very handy spout. It takes three bottles for a Gen V differential. The
M-B part number is: "A 001 989 52 03 10

While I usually go Mopar, the M-B source makes a great backup in a pinch.

[ViperGeorge]

IF you have trouble getting the diff fluid through your dealer (last year, we waited over one month for Mopar to deliver it to a CJDR dealer who services many Vipers)...you can get it at a Mercedes dealer as it is used in AMG's and is in stock. This "Castrol Syntrax Limited Slip 75W-140" comes in 0.5 liter bottles with a very handy spout. It takes three bottles for a Gen V differential. The
M-B part number is: "A 001 989 52 03 10

While I usually go Mopar, the M-B source makes a great backup in a pinch.

My Dodge dealer got the fluid in within a couple of days. This was two weeks ago as I had my fluid changed for the Vegas trip.

[Steve-Indy]

Yeah, mine has 24 liters...now. :)

I also stock it at home for "emergencies".

[swexlin]

No need for a coolant change. These modern coolants I believe are 8 yrs or something like that. IMO, no need for trans either, unless you feel something is wrong. Clutch/brake fluid, yes. I had mine done at 12,500 last fall.

[kriskyk]

Umm why not the transmission fluid?

[Steve-Indy]

Yes, Gen V Viper uses OAT coolant...OEM is Mopar 10 year/ 150,000 mile Formula.

[1slowford]

IF you have trouble getting the diff fluid through your dealer (last year, we waited over one month for Mopar to deliver it to a CJDR dealer who services many Vipers)...you can get it at a Mercedes dealer as it is used in AMG's and is in stock. This "Castrol Syntrax Limited Slip 75W-140" comes in 0.5 liter bottles with a very handy spout. It takes three bottles for a Gen V differential. The
M-B part number is: "A 001 989 52 03 10

While I usually go Mopar, the M-B source makes a great backup in a pinch.

Awesome! great info thank you

[ForTehNguyen]

dont bother with changing coolant as mentioned before. If maintenance records are unknown before that 8k miles its a good precaution to do engine oil, trans, and diff especially to get any break in fluids out. The diff fluid was pretty nasty with the break in material in there.

Trans fluid is just the Chrysler ATF+4 that can be found at autozone (where I got mine)

[Jack B]

dont bother with changing coolant as mentioned before. If maintenance records are unknown before that 8k miles its a good precaution to do engine oil, trans, and diff especially to get any break in fluids out. The diff fluid was pretty nasty with the break in material in there.

Trans fluid is just the Chrysler ATF+4 that can be found at autozone (where I got mine)

I would be careful about using any non-mopar fluid, plus, it is a full synthetic, My point is, you have a $3-$4K transmission and we know the Mopar fluid works. I just bought some on amazon for $9.XX per qt. The part number has changed since the original manual was written. The manual says it takes 3.4 qts, however, every time i change the fluid, it takes close to a full 4 qts.

Chrysler (68218057AA) Genuine Mopar Fluid ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart.

[Steve M]

No need for a coolant change. These modern coolants I believe are 8 yrs or something like that. IMO, no need for trans either, unless you feel something is wrong. Clutch/brake fluid, yes. I had mine done at 12,500 last fall.

Transmission fluid isn't a bad idea IMO - I first changed mine on my '08 when it was around 11k miles, and the fluid was dirtier than I would have expected. It didn't seem to be affecting performance at all, but that fluid is relatively cheap, and the process for changing it is super easy (minus having to remove the bajillion fasteners on the damn belly pan). If you are already changing the diff fluid, changing the transmission fluid is a no-brainer since you'll already have the belly pan off.

[Teneck83]

No need for a coolant change. These modern coolants I believe are 8 yrs or something like that. IMO, no need for trans either, unless you feel something is wrong. Clutch/brake fluid, yes. I had mine done at 12,500 last fall.


Swex,

Last spring I changed my trans. Have 800 miles on my 2013 GTS. The fluid was very polluted on a babied car

[cubeman]

Did a diff fluid swap late march, dealer got the fluid in two days.

[ACRSNK]

Is there a difference between part # 68218057AA & 68218057AB? Is the “AB” just the updated part number for the Viper spec tranny fluid?

[Steve-Indy]

The "B" may merely mean a different supplier.

[ACRSNK]

The "B" may merely mean a different supplier.

Do you think it is a different fluid, or just supplier? Seems like they are always updating part numbers.

[Steve-Indy]

I can't say...only passing along what I have been told.

The ones that drive me nuts are the seemingly "out of the blue" totally new numbers without a reference to he old part...at least, a reference that can be determined by an experienced parts guy at a dealership. When this happens, the old number shows zero stock, or various other codes for not available. But then, if you try the new seemingly secret number, there are over a hundred in stock.

[Steve M]

Do you think it is a different fluid, or just supplier? Seems like they are always updating part numbers.

As long as it says ATF+4 on the bottle, it is the same fluid. Many different manufacturers make an ATF+4 fluid, and they all meet that particular specification (and are thus suitable for use in the Viper's transmission). Who fulfills Chrysler's contracts for such things is always a bit of a mystery, but regardless, it is just one of the big oil companies out there that would normally be slapping their name brand label on it, but instead slaps a Mopar label on it. The dealer then marks it up accordingly. The specification is the important part. If you can access SAE papers, see if you can find SAE paper #982674...apparently, it details the development of the ATF+4 fluid standard.

[Steve M]

I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content on this particular web page, but they claim to maintain a list of licensed ATF+4 fluids:

https://www.centerforqa.com/chrysler-brands/

From that page:


ATF+4 is a high performance, synthetic fluid which provides significant reduction in component wear, superior temperature performance, consistent shift quality, and exceptional friction modifying properties for automatic transmissions in Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The durability of ATF+4 has been successfully proven through more than one million miles of testing in severe environments and an intensive validation process.

"Licensing our ATF+4 product allows the millions of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge owners with vehicles on the road to receive transmission fluid that is designed exactly for their vehicle," said Dennis Florkowski, former Chrysler Senior Specialist/Supervisor. "Using ATF+4 ensures a longer transmission life with regular servicing as described in the vehicle owner's manual."

ATF+4 is approved for use in older transmissions and is currently utilized in newer Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The previous MOPAR ATF+3 formulation was discontinued in 2005, and ATF+4 is recommended for all transmissions filled with ATF+3. ATF+4 is fully compatible with all transmission applications where ATF+, ATF+2 and ATF+3 Automatic Transmission Fluids are specified. Only certified ATF+4 is recommended for service of FCA vehicles as where ATF+4 is specified in the owner’s manual. The use of automatic transmission fluids other than ATF+4, including those claiming to be like ATF+4, could result in lower levels of performance, jeopardize transmission life and void warranties.

The ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid formulation is exclusive to FCA and ATF+4 is a registered trademark. The Center for Quality Assurance monitors and publishes licensed ATF+4 brands to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing automatic transmission fluid for their Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

[ACRSNK]

Upon further research, it appears the part number has been updated from AA to AB, which is the current part #.