Dana Spicer Axles

sd mm 35.03.003

Notice: When operating under adverse conditions, it may be necessary to change the axle lubricant at more frequent intervals than listed in the scheduled maintenance tables. Failure to do so could result in axle damage.

    Note: If using a Roadranger synthetic drive axle lubricant, the lubricant change interval is extended to 180,000 miles (288 000 km).

  1. Park the vehicle on level ground, set the parking brakes, and chock the tires.

    2. Note: Some Dana Spicer axles have a small tapped and plugged hole near and below the housing oil fill hole. This smaller hole is for a lubricant temperature indicator only, and should not be used as a fill or level hole.

  2. Clean the oil fill plug and the area around it (see Fig.), then remove it from the oil fill hole.

    1. Oil Fill Plug

    2. Oil Drain Plug

    3. Axle Breather

    Fig. 1, Oil Fill and Drain Plugs and Axle Breather, Dana Spicer Axles

  3. Place a drain pan under the rear axle drain plug; see Fig.. Drain the oil at normal operating temperature, 150°F to 200°F (65°C to 93°C). At this temperature, the oil will run more freely and ensure that the axle is flushed.

    4. Note: Some tandem-drive axles are equipped with a cylindrical magnetic strainer, located below the lube pump on the front of the power divider cover. All rear axles are fitted with magnetic drain and fill plugs.

  4. At each axle oil change, remove and clean the magnetic strainer, if equipped, as follows.
    1. Remove the magnetic strainer from the power divider cover. See Fig..

      Fig. 2, Dana Spicer Tandem-Drive Axle Magnetic Strainer

      2. Warning: Always wear eye protection when using compressed air to clean parts, as flying debris could cause permanent damage to unprotected eyes. Do not point the air stream in the direction of other persons.

    2. Wash the strainer in solvent, and blow it dry with compressed air to remove oil and metal particles.
    3. Install and tighten the magnetic strainer 40 to 60 lbf·ft (54 to 81 N·m).
  5. Clean the fill and drain plugs as follows. Change them if necessary.
    1. For magnetic plugs, use a piece of key stock or any other convenient steel slug to short the two magnetic poles and divert the magnetic field.
    2. Clean away the collected material deposited on each pole. Magnets will rapidly lose their effectiveness as collected material bridges the gap between the two poles.
    3. Inspect the drain plug for large quantities of metal particles.
    4. After cleaning, install the drain plug(s) and tighten to 40 to 60 lbf·ft (54 to 81 N·m).

    6. Important: The use of friction modifiers is not approved in Dana drive axles.

  6. Fill the axle with the recommended lubricant as follows. See Table. for recommended lubricants, and Table. for drive axle lubricant capacities.
    1. With the vehicle on a level surface, fill the axle through the oil fill hole. Lubricant should be level with the bottom of the oil fill hole.
    2. Check the fluid level; see Fig..
    3. Install and tighten the fill plug 50 lbf·ft (68 N·m).

      Table 1, Dana Spicer Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant

      Dana Spicer Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant

      Lubricant Type

      Condition

      Lubricant SAE Viscosity Grade

      Dana Spicer Roadranger® Synthetic Drive Axle Lubricants, or Equivalent with Military Specification MIL–L–2105D

      Over-the-Road Service

      75W–90

      Off-Highway Equipment, or Under Extra Heavy Loads

      80W–140

        Table 1, Dana Spicer Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant

        Table 2, Dana Spicer Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities

        Dana Spicer Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities

        Axle Model

        Capacity:1 Pints (liters)

        DD405

        31 (14.7)2

        DP463P

        40 (18.9)2
        1. Quantities listed are approximate. Fill axle until lubricant is level with bottom of fill hole with vehicle on level ground.
        2. Add 2 pints (1 L) of additional lubricant to the power divider.

        Table 2, Dana Spicer Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities

        • Correct (lube level at bottom of fill hole)

        • Incorrect (lube level below fill hole)

        Fig. 3, Axle Lubricant Level Check

    Note:
    Parent topic: Axle Lubricant and Filter Change, and Magnetic Strainer Cleaning and Check
    Document Number: 0000120034
    Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-23
    Topic Publication Date: 2024-10-30