How much fluid does a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 differential hold?
The numbers depend on which differential you mean (front or rear) and the axle code. In general, the front differential holds about 3 quarts (roughly 2.8–3.2 qt), and the rear holds about 3 quarts (roughly 2.8–3.5 qt). Always verify the exact spec from the axle tag or service manual for your truck.
Understanding the axles in the 2009 Ram 2500
The 2009 Ram 2500 uses a heavy-duty front axle and a robust rear axle. Common configurations include a front Dana 60 and a rear axle such as the AAM 9.25, with capacities that can vary slightly by the exact axle code and whether a locker or limited-slip is installed. The figures below reflect typical configurations but may shift with specific builds.
Front differential capacity
Before listing the front-differential figures, note that the exact capacity depends on the front axle code and whether a factory locker is present.
- Estimated front differential capacity: approximately 2.8–3.2 quarts.
- Common oil specification guidance: use gear oil meeting GL-5 or a suitable synthetic 75W-90 equivalent; always confirm with the manual for your axle.
In practice, fill until the oil reaches the fill plug level or the level specified by the factory, and account for any locker or spacer differences in your model.
Rear differential capacity
Before listing the rear-differential figures, note that the rear axle options vary by trim and drivetrain. The capacities below reflect typical configurations used on many 2009 Ram 2500 models.
- Estimated rear differential capacity: about 2.8–3.5 quarts, depending on the exact rear axle code (e.g., AAM 9.25 or comparable heavy-duty variant).
- Common oil specification guidance: GL-5 rated gear oil or a synthetic equivalent; verify with your service manual.
As with the front, fill the rear differential until the gear oil reaches the fill hole level per the service manual instructions, noting any locker or special hardware that could influence capacity.
Maintenance tips and how to verify the exact capacity
Because the Ram 2500 offered different axles across markets and trim levels, the safest approach is to confirm the precise capacity for your truck. Look for the axle tag in the wheel well or consult the dealer, VIN-specific service data, or the official workshop manual to obtain the exact specification for your axle code and build date.
Summary
For the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500, expect roughly 2.8–3.2 quarts for the front differential and about 2.8–3.5 quarts for the rear differential, with exact figures varying by axle code and equipment such as lockers. Always verify with the axle tag or service manual for your specific vehicle to ensure an accurate fill and proper maintenance intervals.
