Maintaining your 2016 Ram 3500 Pickup with the 5.7L Hemi engine requires precise fluid selection to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This heavy-duty truck is capable of handling significant towing and hauling loads, making the quality of lubricants crucial for protecting critical components under high stress. Proper fluids not only extend the life of your engine and transmission but also improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear over time. Below, we outline the specific AMSOIL products that meet the stringent requirements of this vehicle.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top-tier option offering unsurpassed engine protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year, providing 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear than conventional oils.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother and helps protect against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-value alternative formulated to outperform conventional oils while meeting original equipment manufacturer specifications, effectively fighting sludge and deposits.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and improve performance.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters to ensure maximum flow and particle retention.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, compatible with all other antifreeze colors and safe for all cooling system metals.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option offering extended service intervals of up to 150,000 miles or 8 years, with excellent corrosion and erosion protection for heavy-duty applications.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Built to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and protects against wear, sludge, and leaks with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity range that ensures reliable braking in all conditions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Delivers advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway for differentials and transfer cases, containing friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after one tank, helping prevent carbon buildup and pre-ignition knock.
For the 5.7L V8 engine in your 2016 Ram 3500, AMSOIL offers a range of viscosity grades, but the primary recommendation for this model is SAE 5W-20. The engine requires a capacity of 7.0 quarts when including the filter replacement. It is critical to refill the oil and then check the level with the dipstick to ensure accuracy. The oil drain plug should be torqued to 25 ft/lbs during service. This specific engine benefits significantly from full synthetic technology, which helps manage the thermal loads generated during heavy towing or hauling operations common with the 3500 series. Utilizing a high-quality filter is equally important for removing contaminants and ensuring the new Signature Series motor oil circulates effectively.
When considering the cooling system, the capacity for antifreeze is 18.3 quarts. Owners have the choice between a pre-mixed ethylene glycol solution or a concentrated propylene glycol formula. The pre-mixed option is a convenient 50/50 blend that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses while remaining free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates. For those seeking maximum longevity in heavy-duty applications, the concentrated Propylene Glycol Antifreeze can extend service intervals up to 8 years or 150,000 miles, depending on the application severity. Both options are compatible with all other antifreeze colors, allowing for easy top-offs if necessary.
The 2016 Ram 3500 Pickup typically comes equipped with the 66RFE automatic transmission, whether in 4WD or RWD configurations. This heavy-duty transmission requires specific fluid to handle the demands of the truck. The total fill capacity for the 66RFE 4WD transmission is 12 quarts, with an initial fill requirement of 6.6 quarts. For RWD models, the total fill is also 12 quarts, but the initial fill drops to 5.5 quarts. The Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF is highly recommended here as it is designed to withstand elevated temperatures and the rigors of heavy towing, ensuring reserve protection during abuse. It also remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, preventing shifting issues in cold climates. Alternatively, the OE Multi-Vehicle ATF is a strong option that promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts.
Gear Lubrication and Differentials
Differential and transfer case lubrication is vital for the powertrain’s durability, especially on a 3500 Pickup that sees heavy loads. The transfer case, specifically the BW 44-46 and BW 44-47 models, requires 3.8 pints of fluid. It is important to fill the transfer case to the bottom edge of the fill plug opening and torque the drain and fill plugs to between 15 and 22 ft/lbs. The front and rear differentials come in various configurations, including standard and limited-slip units with capacities ranging from 4.2 to 8.9 pints depending on the housing and gear ratio.
For all differential and transfer case applications on this vehicle, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended choice. This lube is formulated to control thermal runaway, a common issue in heavy-duty truck differentials, and helps reduce operating temperatures. It contains friction modifiers specifically for limited-slip applications, which eliminates the need for additional additives. The synthetic formulation extends the life of oil, seals, and equipment while providing protection against rust and corrosion. Whether you have a front standard differential, a rear limited-slip unit, or a 300 AA housing, this gear lube provides the necessary extreme pressure (EP) protection.
For AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid, the system requires a DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid that meets the MS-4574 specification. AMSOIL’s synthetic brake fluid offers a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, which translates to excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems. This ensures that the braking system performs consistently whether you are in the freezing cold or under the hot desert sun.
Seasonal Storage and Fuel Care
For owners who utilize their 3500 Pickup seasonally, protecting the fuel system is essential. AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer can keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup while fighting ethanol corrosion. This is particularly useful for equipment stored for extended periods. Additionally, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is highly effective for preventing rust on internal engine components during long periods of inactivity.
Using a fuel system cleaner like AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver can also be beneficial. This additive restores GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after a single tank of fuel, helping to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves and pistons. By maintaining clean injectors, the engine can retain its power output and fuel economy, ensuring that the truck performs at its peak even after accumulating miles.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Ram 3500 Pickup stands as a pinnacle of heavy-duty utility in the American truck market. Part of the fifth-generation Ram lineup, the 3500 model is designed primarily for the most demanding work tasks, including construction, agriculture, and severe towing applications. The “HD” designation signifies its capability to handle gross combined weight ratings (GCWR) and payload capacities that far exceed those of the standard-duty 1500 series.
Powered by the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the configuration described, this truck offers a blend of familiar power and robust torque. The Hemi engine family has been a staple in Ram trucks for decades, known for its smooth power delivery and adaptability to various fuel types, including regular unleaded in many cases. This specific engine code (EZC) was widely used in the 3500 models to provide a reliable, high-torque power source that could manage heavy loads without the complexity of a diesel powertrain, though diesel options were also available for even heavier needs.
The Ram 3500 is built on the Cummins High Strength Frame, which provides a rigid foundation for suspension components and body mounts. This structural integrity is what allows the truck to tow and haul effectively while maintaining ride quality. The 2016 model year continued the evolution of the Ram truck design, featuring updated interiors with improved ergonomics, larger infotainment screens, and enhanced safety features. The reputation of the Ram brand has historically been built on this combination of rugged capability and increasing comfort, making it a preferred choice for commercial users and enthusiasts alike.
Whether used to move construction equipment, tow a large fifth-wheel trailer, or simply serve as a reliable daily driver with exceptional capability, the 2016 Ram 3500 requires maintenance that matches its design. The heavy-duty nature of the vehicle means that standard fluids often fall short under severe service conditions. By utilizing the correct synthetic lubricants and filters, owners can ensure that this capable machine remains a dependable asset for years to come. The vehicle’s versatility allows it to transition seamlessly between work and leisure, making proper fluid maintenance an investment in the truck’s overall lifespan and performance consistency.