Hi, I have a 2018 Durango R/T AWD with approx. 64,500 miles. I have had no problems with the vehicle and we occasionally tow a 28ft RV trailer. I do 5K oil changes and just replaced the Bridgestones with Pirelli's. The coolant has been flushed. I'd like some advice on servicing other systems between 65K-70K, such as transmission, AWD unit, etc. Brake system is good at this current time. Any advice would be appreciated.
70K service advice
jparry
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Hi, I have a 2018 Durango R/T AWD with approx. 64,500 miles. I have had no problems with the vehicle and we occasionally tow a 28ft RV trailer. I do 5K oil changes and just replaced the Bridgestones with Pirelli's. The coolant has been flushed. I'd like some advice on servicing other systems between 65K-70K, such as transmission, AWD unit, etc. Brake system is good at this current time. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Since you tow, I would suggest a transmission fluid/filter/pan change. It is expensive but for another 70k (or more) miles of worry free service, you should do it.
Beyond the transmission, check what the owners manual has to say. Ignore lifetime fluid for the transmission since you tow.
Beyond the transmission, check what the owners manual has to say. Ignore lifetime fluid for the transmission since you tow.
Along with transmission I'd do transfer case and front/rear differential fluids too. Refresh for power steering fluid is a good bet.
Other little things like PCV valve can be done, although that's an easy DIY. Air filter too.
Other little things like PCV valve can be done, although that's an easy DIY. Air filter too.
Since you are towing a lot, as an alternative to changing trans fluid pan with integrated filter, there are some aftermarket pans that allow replacement of the $30 filter (not integrated with the pan) to save pan replacement cost.
Great point by @Enthusiast. The PPE pans looks like really nice quality. Plus you get an actual drain plug so you can drain and fill the transmission fluid without having to drop the pan. I wish I'd put one on when I did my last drain and fill.
All things related to the transmission pan, install, fluid fill procedure, and thermostat bypass for much cooler fluid temps.
The Durango ZF8HP70 Metal Pacific Performance Engineering (PPE) Transmission Pan
The Durango ZF8HP70 Metal Pacific Performance Engineering (PPE) Transmission Pan
ZF recommends changing oil at 93K....Dodge says lifetime...so your choice there who you want to follow.
Serpentine belt change is at 100K..along with the tensioner and spark plugs.
I don't see anything to do at 70K.
BTW, your Durango came with 10yr/150K mile coolant, so there was no need to flush it at 60K
Serpentine belt change is at 100K..along with the tensioner and spark plugs.
I don't see anything to do at 70K.
BTW, your Durango came with 10yr/150K mile coolant, so there was no need to flush it at 60K
There is a concept called maintenance induced failure that suggests maintenance can potentially lead to unintended failures. Anytime you work on or over-maintain your DD is introducing potential human error or equipment failures that wouldn't exist if you just left it alone until the service was due.
Yes, over-maintenance can increase overall cost of ownership, waste resources, time, and potentially introduce new problems or damage. However, there is a balance.
For example, the oil change interval is more often underrated as there is evidence that suggest more frequent changes can improve engine life, not considering other failure variables. Sharing the bath water several days with family may be a primitive example without explaining how use can cause further impacts
Preventive Maintenance (PM) is critical to vehicle care and generally intended to maintain or improve vehicle lifespan. There is a balance of regular maintenance and avoiding excessive or unnecessary service. When considering aftermarket parts or performance upgrades, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against unintended system or engineering consequences. This includes potential risks and costs associated with modifications.
Some aftermarket parts meet or exceed OEM requirements by making actual improvements ahead of the OEM part design revision cycle to correct issues. Some replacements are cheaper and perform poorly or cause damage.
Other factors influencing OEM buyer decisions include warranty, OEM cost, known part issues, availability, and performance. Sometimes higher OEM trim levels may have OEM performance versions that are compatible with lower trim vehicles. Performance improvements in one area may exaggerate weakness in other areas. Regardless of driver choice, vehicle warranty and reliability must be carefully considered.
Their pan that has the additional 1 quart capacity will fit. The larger extended capacity will not. PPE updated their compatibility list when I returned the extended capacity pan, due to incompatibility.
The Durango ZF8HP70 Metal Pacific Performance Engineering (PPE) Transmission Pan
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