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OT mechanics: 100k miles on truck

Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:43 am
Posted by AUVet21
Member since Sep 2022
359 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:43 am
About to go over 100k on my 2020 ram 1500 4x4. I know I need to do spark plugs. But local shop is recommending engine coolant exchange, fuel system cleaner, 4X4 driveline oil service, differential oil service, and transfer case oil service. All this really needed?
For reference I drive it 75% of the time on interstates and have used 4x4 twice in 3 years. Don’t do any trailering or anything besides regular daily driving.
Posted by Vacherie Saint
Member since Aug 2015
46029 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:44 am to
I would say coolant flush and plugs at minimum.
Posted by CSATiger
The Battlefield
Member since Aug 2010
6796 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:47 am to
regular cleaning and fluid change will extend the life of the truck
Posted by LSUSUPERSTAR
TX
Member since Jan 2005
16831 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:47 am to
Going through this myself as my Tacoma is hitting 100k. The service center at the dealership says the timing cover is leaking and need to reseal it....$5300. They are out of their mind. I've been taking it to the dealership since I bought it new in May 2020, but time to start going somewhere different.
Posted by UptownJoeBrown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2024
7003 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:49 am to
Yes to all of it if never done at 100K.

However all very easy and you need to turn in your man card if you don’t do it yourself. I mean you have a 4x4 so you’re a man right? Or at least thought you were one.
Posted by boxcarbarney
Above all things, be a man
Member since Jul 2007
25583 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:50 am to
The only item that seems dubious to me is the fuel system cleaner. Are they just going to dump a bottle of Techron they picked up from AutoZone into the tank and charge you $100 for the privilege?
Posted by TheLSUriot
Clear Lake, TX
Member since Oct 2007
1562 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:55 am to
New spark plugs - yes, and wires!
coolant exchange - assume it is the pink stuff (dexacool) so no, unless it looks discolored and for the right price maybe
fuel system cleaner - DIY
4X4 driveline oil service - WTF
differential oil service, and transfer case oil service - should have already been done by now, IMHO
Replacing the trans fluid/filter wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Posted by Barneyrb
NELA
Member since May 2016
6894 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:57 am to
At 100k my truck got all fluids changed including both diffs, transfer case, transmission, antifreeze, brake fluid, and oil. 2018 and now has 170k and will get all fluids changed again at 200k
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
60402 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:01 pm to
I recently replaced my spark plugs with 200K on them. Expecting the worst, but honestly, they looked like they were brand new. New plugs themselves will cost a hundred bucks plus labor and you’ll not see any performance difference afterwards. I would not change plugs unless the engine is misfiring.

I would change all belts and hoses. If you do that, coolant will be replaced as well, as you cannot change bottom radiator hose without draining the coolant.

If you want to change transmission fluid, do it now, as most places will not change it after q00K miles.

I am undecided on changing transfer case oil,it you don’t use 4WD - I don’t know if that all stays engaged.

No idea what “driveline fluid” is.

Probably wouldn’t change differential oil unless the seals are leaking.
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 12:08 pm
Posted by Gings5
Member since Jul 2016
11016 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:09 pm to
I agree with plugs. There’s no need to do preventative maintenance on them. You’ll know when you get misfires.

OP - yes to all fluids.
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 12:09 pm
Posted by BabyTac
Austin, TX
Member since Jun 2008
15720 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:28 pm to
quote:

I know I need to do spark plugs. But local shop is recommending engine coolant exchange, fuel system cleaner, 4X4 driveline oil service, differential oil service, and transfer case oil service.


Have 230,000 on my Tundra and I’ve never done any of that. I’m more of the mindset that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 12:29 pm
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
104254 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:31 pm to
quote:

The service center at the dealership says the timing cover is leaking and need to reseal it....$5300.


This was about 350 on my Chevrolet. Really.
Posted by The Mick
Member since Oct 2010
44874 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:33 pm to
Get the recommended service intervals from Dodge directly.
Posted by The Mick
Member since Oct 2010
44874 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:34 pm to
quote:

Have 230,000 on my Tundra and I’ve never done any of that. I’m more of the mindset that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
My brother has same philosophy and just hit 405k on GMC truck.
Posted by roadkill
East Coast, FL
Member since Oct 2008
2080 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:44 pm to
I change all fluids in my vehicles every 50K miles - except oil/filter which is every 5k miles - best practice.
Posted by TigerinOkieHell
Oklahoma City
Member since Oct 2010
2872 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 12:48 pm to
Your owner's manual should have scheduled maintenance suggestions. I drive a 2016 1500 4x4, and at 100k did the plugs and oils. Coolant for my manual says earlier of 150k miles or 10 years if normal use so that's really the only one that I'd push potentially. The rest sound right.

LINK This looks about like mine for reference.

If its a cost issue, the diff/transfer case oil is super easy to DIY. Spark plugs...you would think would be but after doing them myself...just pay someone, on the Hemi it was an absolute pain in the arse
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 12:50 pm
Posted by BigBinBR
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2023
9204 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 1:34 pm to
quote:

he only item that seems dubious to me is the fuel system cleaner. Are they just going to dump a bottle of Techron they picked up from AutoZone into the tank and charge you $100 for the privilege?


And also the "coolant flush." The OAT in it should last for 150k/10 years, but it wouldn't hurt to change. The main thing I would make sure of is that its an actual flush and not them just draining the radiator and refilling.

Posted by Civildawg
Member since May 2012
10197 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 1:35 pm to
LOL a fool and his money...
Posted by Them
Metry
Member since Nov 2008
11325 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 2:18 pm to
quote:

This was about 350 on my Chevrolet. Really.


The timing cover on your Chevy is about the size of a Mardi Gras football and is easy to do. 6 or 7 bolts and it pops in and out.

The timing cover on a Tacoma is literally the entire front of the engine and involves removing every pulley, all the accessory drives, the radiator and I believe the entire front bumper, the water pump, and about 30 bolts, then reassembling.

Slightly different jobs.
Posted by dome53
Member since Apr 2009
1845 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 2:29 pm to
I guarantee you he doesn’t have 405k miles on the original plugs.
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