2006 Dodge Ram Are all oils the same

KRUSEJJ

MEMBER
2006 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
64,000 MILES

Hello
I have a Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with a Hemi. The truck is getting a few miles on it and is out of warranty. I want to do my own maintance.

The Dearler ship says that their ATF is the best. Their ATF cost almost $12.00 A quart and I am not sure what the filter cost.

I know I could do the job for alot less and know what I am doing for this job. My question is are all oils the same? I know Dodge uses their own grade 4+.

Way can't I use a good name brand ATF and go with That?

I also know that I can not fulling drain the converter, But I hade the ATF changed about 32 K ago so it should still be pretty clean

.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

I assure you that Chrysler doesn't own an oil refinery. The oil that they have is manufacturered by a company and the Mopar name is put on the bottle.
As far as oil, you can use any brand, but it must meet the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, you can use any brand ATF as long as it is recommended to be used as ATF+4 or whatever you vehicle requires. The brand itself doesn't matter. It could be made by Valvoline, QS, Wolfs Head, Mobil.

Just refer to the owner's manual for the recommended type of fluid. Save the money and use any brand. Just make sure it meets the vehicle requirements.

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Thursday, May 13th, 2010 AT 10:44 AM

KRUSEJJ

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank You Jacobandnickolasu

I had a pretty good idea that is how it works.

Hey what about OEM parts. I believe most parts stores are catching on this. I think that their Premium parts are as good as the manufacturers parts.

Thank You for the good info. I am off to change some ATF this weekend

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Thursday, May 13th, 2010 AT 12:45 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

My opinion, when it comes to parts, is that the OEM ones are better. However, usually you pay 3 or 4 times more for them. Many of the aftermarket parts we get here anymore are imported from other countries that have lower standards or worse working environments than we do. As a result, the parts usually don't last as long. Keep in mind, even if you get OEM parts, them most likely will have been made in another country, but the manufacturer demands certain levels of quality.

On my personal vehicle, I use aftermarket everything because I can't afford OEM. I have 220K on a 17 year old Dakota that is still running strong. Most of the truck's parts are lifetime warranty, so I only have to pay once for them.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Thursday, May 13th, 2010 AT 1:24 PM