Fluids

[Extreme]

I have just over 700 miles on my new truck. I was wondering when everyone else changed their engine oil for the first time. Also when do you recommend to change all the other fluids in the truck. I have locking rear differentials, do I need to change that sooner then a non locking rear differentials.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

My truck is a 2003 GMC 1500 5.3L, 3.73 gears, Z71, Locking rear differentials

[seadoons]

Oil: Every 3,000 along with oil filter and chassis lube (including first change)

Tranny, transfer case, front diff and rear diff: 30,000

Air Filter: Every 15,000

Fuel Filter: Every 30,000

 

 

I also have the locking rear diff, and 30,000 is recommended. I was able to do the front and rear diff myself, along with the oil changes, fuel filters, and air filters. I got my transmission flushed at 30k, and the transfer case changed at 30k as well.

[SilveradoWV]

You need to change the rear diff fluid after the first 500 miles of towing I believe!

[frdfandc]

I disagree with the fuel filter being changed every 30k. I change mine every 15k miles. Just a question, but have you ever seen the inside of a fuel filter at 15k and at 30k? Let me just say there is a HUGE difference. Besides, if the fuel filter is changed every 15k, its a lot easier to change, considering you don't have as much corrosion on the fittings.

 

I do agree with everything else. Just a update for the trans service interval - If you do a lot of towing or hauling (at least 50% of the time the vehicle is driven) the transmission should be serviced every 15k due to the fact that when towing or hauling, this builds additional heat that causes the fluids to break down. Your transmission will thank you.

[RyanbabZ71]

I disagree with the fuel filter being changed every 30k. I change mine every 15k miles. Just a question, but have you ever seen the inside of a fuel filter at 15k and at 30k? Let me just say there is a HUGE difference. Besides, if the fuel filter is changed every 15k, its a lot easier to change, considering you don't have as much corrosion on the fittings.

 

my filter at 30K was in very good shape. I do agree about the fittings though mine are pretty corroded at 37K

 

Also the new 04 trucks are going to have the fuel filter mounted in the gas tank Have fun changing that every 15K miles (it is supposed to be a lifetime filter and you never need to change it from what i heard)

 

As far as the trans building more heat do you have the factory towing pkg? If so then you have a transmission cooler

[BDBWTE]

Man you guys are fluid changing mothers ain't you. As far as the threads being goobered up put some Anti-Seise on the threads. I use all Cat products myself but that becuase we have it and it's the best. There is cheaper stuff out there that will work for your needs. As far as the fluids go I'll change them when they need it. We have a F250 at the shop that made it 315,000 miles without the axles, tranny or transfer case fluids being changed just kept full. Got a 91 Chevrolet with 270,000 miles and we've yet to change the rear end fluid unless it goes out. but that's just us.

[jcisek]

What do you use in the tcase in place of the chevy auto trak II.

[SilveradoWV]

I dont know of anything you use in place of it! You actually use the Autotrak stuff!

[Black02Silverado]

What do you use in the tcase in place of the chevy auto trak II.

For now there isn't a replacement available. The auto Trac II is the only stuff to use where it is called for. From what research I have done, Mobil, Redline, and Amsoil do not make a replacement fluid. It cost me $6 a quart at the dealer.

[bigtruck21]

What do you use in the tcase in place of the chevy auto trak II.

For now there isn't a replacement available. The auto Trac II is the only stuff to use where it is called for. From what research I have done, Mobil, Redline, and Amsoil do not make a replacement fluid. It cost me $6 a quart at the dealer.

I too haven't found a replacement. seems kind of weird to me that an aftermarket oil company cannot make at least spec let alone better then spec for this stuff. It is some special fluid or additive package?