trans fluid and differential fluid

[RI-Viper]

called my local dealer and they where no help. for what i gathered together was that the
differential part #5136035ac for 47.00 need 2 quarts
trans fluid part# 68218657aa for 21.00 need 4 quarts
are these they right fluids i need to just change on my viper?

 

[MoparMap]

I believe the transmission fluid has actually gone out of production, so that could be an issue. It's really just rebottled Catrol Syntorque I believe. Castrol discontinued production of it some time ago, so it's getting pretty scarce. You can run other fluids, but I agree it's always nice to run the factory fill and that's what the engineers planned for. Tremec recommends Mobil 1 ATF as the manufacturer of the transmission (I asked them once) as that's what often put in it when the transmission is used in other applications (also in the earlier Vipers), but it can lead to some extra noise.

The rear end stuff I'm not so sure about. I think it's still around, but I've never asked if it's just rebranded stuff like the transmission fluid. You need to be sure to add some limited slip additive as well.

 

[Steve-Indy]

STOP...your stated differential fluid IS NOT suited for your differential. The part number that you stated (#5136035ac ) which is a GL-5 is meant for other vehicles !!!
Also, the transmission fluid stated (# 68218657aa...which is NOW # 68218657AC) was NOT the OEM fluid for YOUR car. See below.

By the way, it will be easier to assist you in the future if you state the year of your Viper in your posts. By doing some fishing, I see that it is stated as 2005 SRT-10. As JonB says: "The year matters".

The OEM fluids for YOUR Viper were as follows:

DIFFERENTIAL...MOPAR "Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140" part number was 4874469...AND...MOPAR "Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier" ...part number was 4318060AB. After draining differential, add only one 4 oz. bottle of the "Friction Modifier" FIRST...THEN add the other 41 oz. of the Diff Fluid mentioned above.

TRANSMISSION...MOPAR "Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant SAE 75W-85" ( also known as "Castrol Syntorq LT 75W/85") part number was 4874459. This is a GL-4...DO NOT use a GL-5 in a T-56 transmission !!! This fluid became the Viper Factory fill is 1999 ( after a 1998 TSB for neutral gear rattle on 1994-1998 Vipers using Dexron IIe and later Dexron III tranny fluid). Some have speculated ( and noted that Tremac alledgedly agreed per one poster) that Mopar ATF+4 COULD be used in the 2003-2006 Viper transmissions. If you choose to do so, expect a shifter that is less stiff when cold that many notice when using the OEM fluid... and possibly more neutral gear rattle (NGR).

FINAL NOTE: Many MOPAR part numbers change for the the same part or product. So, one has to check and recheck the fluids in particular to obtain the correct product. While the "MS-xxxx" numbers help, some of these have been updated as well. In my opinion, it is nearly impossible for "low-Viper-volume-dealership-parts-persons" to keep up with these changes...especially given the errors/conflicting info that persist in owner manuals, service manuals, and service CD's.

 

[RI-Viper]

wow thanx all for the get info!! dealer are not that much help.

 

[Steve-Indy]

RI-Viper....the following post is valid as of TODAY...Mopar changes fluid and part names & numbers as they see fit.

The OEM fluids for YOUR Gen III Viper were as follows: PART NUMBER UPDATES

Differential...TWO FLUIDS...MOPAR "Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140" part number was 4874469. The NEW number is 68218657AA...MS-8985. My dealer has MANY bottles on the shelf...AND
MOPAR "Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier" ...part number was 4318060AB. NEW name IS "Limited Slip Additive" and the NEW number IS 4318060AD This is now MS-10111. Proportions are listed in my post above.

Transmission...MOPAR "Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant SAE 75W-85" ( also known as "Castrol Syntorq LT 75W/85") part number WAS and IS 4874459...this is MS-9070. This is a GL-4. This IS available...My dealer has MANY bottles on the shelf.

Good hunting,

Steve

 

[DustyD]

RI-Viper....the following post is valid as of TODAY...Mopar changes fluid and part names & numbers as they see fit.

The OEM fluids for YOUR Gen III Viper were as follows: PART NUMBER UPDATES

Differential...TWO FLUIDS...MOPAR "Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140" part number was 4874469. The NEW number is 68218657AA...MS-8985. My dealer has MANY bottles on the shelf...AND
MOPAR "Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier" ...part number was 4318060AB. NEW name IS "Limited Slip Additive" and the NEW number IS 4318060AD This is now MS-10111. Proportions are listed in my post above.

Transmission...MOPAR "Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant SAE 75W-85" ( also known as "Castrol Syntorq LT 75W/85") part number WAS and IS 4874459...this is MS-9070. This is a GL-4. This IS available...My dealer has MANY bottles on the shelf.

Good hunting,

Steve

Hi Steve, Thank you for posting all of this great information! I'm having issues finding what washers people use for the engine, diff, and transmission drain/fill bolts. I'm going through the maintenance manual, and to be honest, its not very helpful. All I found regarding the engine drain bolt washer was "Replace drain plug and gasket if damage."

Do you happen to have any recommendations as to what washers to use for each of the drain and fill bolts?

 

[Steve-Indy]

I hate to admit it, but that is something I have rarely done. In spite of many, many fluid changes on all of our Vipers, the washers seem to be working fine...no leaks so far with some Vipers being over 2 decades in age. I have always used the appropriate range torque wrench on these plugs.

If I remember correctly, the oil drain plugs do come with a washer...having purchased a couple for friends. Part number was 6035417...but, sometimes numbers change.

 

[DustyD]

I hate to admit it, but that is something I have rarely done. In spite of many, many fluid changes on all of our Vipers, the washers seem to be working fine...no leaks so far with some Vipers being over 2 decades in age. I have always used the appropriate range torque wrench on these plugs.

If I remember correctly, the oil drain plugs do come with a washer...having purchased a couple for friends. Part number was 6035417...but, sometimes numbers change.

Thanks so much Steve! I'm doing a complete fluid refresh on 2003 viper that I just purchased. It was only driven 2,500 miles in the last 8 years, and the only last known maintenance was an oil change over 3 years ago.....

no leaks though! im sure ill be fine

 

[steve e]

Steve thanks for the great info, everyone can benefit from it.