Keeping your 2018 Dodge Durango with the 6.4L Hemi engine running smoothly requires more than just a simple fill-up; it demands a precise combination of high-performance synthetic lubricants designed to withstand the rigors of modern driving. Whether you are towing a trailer, navigating city traffic, or enduring extreme winter cold, the factory fluid specifications are often the bare minimum for operation. By upgrading to AMSOIL synthetic solutions, you provide superior protection against wear, sludge, and thermal breakdown, ensuring your powertrain operates at peak efficiency for extended intervals.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for the 6.4L Hemi engine, offering 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear with extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter EAO11 – Provides 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns with greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants to keep engine parts fully lubricated.
- WIX Oil Filter 57899 – A premium alternative featuring media improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable engine filtration.
- WIX Air Filter – Premium media offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – Concentrated antifreeze that requires mixing and offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and resists harmful sludge with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures and challenging terrain while providing reserve protection.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear, resists harmful sludge, and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Advanced protection for front and rear differentials, controlling thermal runaway and protecting against rust and corrosion.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks while offering strong anti-wear protection.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Helps keep fuel fresh up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup.
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil – Highly-effective rust preventive designed to protect internal engine components during storage.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and improves fuel economy by cleaning fuel injectors and reducing carbon buildup.
- AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor – Lubricates fuel system and upper cylinders, compatible with capless fuel systems.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease – Resists thermal and oxidation degradation for long-term performance with excellent load-carrying performance.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector – Contains special rust and corrosion inhibitor additives to protect against salt, moisture, and chemical corrosion.
- AMSOIL MP Metal Protector – Cuts through rust and frees frozen components while protecting against rust and corrosion.
- AMSOIL Silicone Spray – Protects with a dry lubricating film ideal for surfaces that may be damaged by conventional lubricants.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser – Dissolves oil, tar and grime, removing sticky residue quickly and easily.
- AMSOIL Power Foam® Carburetor and Induction-System Cleaner – Cleans deposits from ethanol and degraded fuel, maximizing horsepower and restoring startability.
- AMSOIL Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray – Requires just two easy steps to leave vehicles with a fantastic shine and tough protective finish.
- AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner – Quickly removes oil, grease, brake fluid and other contaminants from brake parts and other automotive components.
- AMSOIL Mudslinger® Mud and Dirt Repellent – Provides a protective, non-stick layer of armor against the accumulation of mud, dirt and snow.
- AMSOIL Engine Degreaser – Professional-strength formula that quickly and easily removes the toughest grease, dirt and grime from engine surfaces.
- AMSOIL Glass Cleaner – Effectively cuts through grease and grime faster than other leading glass cleaners with a foaming action.
- AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo – High-foam formula is hard on dirt, gentle on coatings and finishes, and capable for bucket-wash or foam-cannon use.
- AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray – Easy application that sheds water rapidly and protects against UV rays.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Light Lemon – Multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection that traps and eliminates odors.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Scent Free – Multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection that traps and eliminates odors.
Engine Oil and Filtration for the 6.4L Hemi
The 6.4-liter Hemi engine is a powerhouse known for its high output and durability, but it also generates significant heat and places high stress on the lubrication system. Proper lubrication is critical to maintaining the integrity of the camshafts, lifters, and valvetrain components, especially when the vehicle is used for towing or performance driving. For this engine, AMSOIL recommends Signature Series 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil. This specific viscosity grade provides optimal flow during cold starts while maintaining a robust lubricating film at high operating temperatures. The oil is engineered to resist oxidation and volatility, which helps reduce oil consumption and extend the life of the engine.
A high-quality oil filter is just as important as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter EAO11 is designed to pair perfectly with the synthetic oil, offering 99 percent efficiency at capturing contaminants as small as 20 microns. This level of filtration ensures that wear-causing particles are removed from the circulation loop, keeping the engine internals clean and reducing friction. For owners who prefer the WIX brand, the WIX Oil Filter 57899 is also a highly rated alternative, offering premium media that improves upon standard OEM filter specifications. When performing an oil change, it is essential to note the capacity requirement: the 6.4L engine takes 7.0 quarts when the filter is included. After refilling, always check the oil level to ensure the correct quantity is present, avoiding both underfilling and overfilling, which can cause seal failure.
Transmission and Drivetrain Lubrication
The 2018 Dodge Durango is typically equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission (model 8HP70), a complex component that benefits greatly from synthetic lubrication. Standard transmission fluids can break down under the heat of towing or frequent stop-and-go traffic, leading to shudder, delayed shifts, and premature wear. To mitigate these issues, AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent choice. This fluid remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures and provides a reserve of protection during heavy use. It is formulated to withstand the rigors of elevated temperatures and challenging terrain, ensuring smooth operation and extending the service life of the transmission. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers protection against wear and resists harmful sludge with excellent cold-weather performance.
In addition to the transmission fluid, the drivetrain components such as the transfer case and differentials require specialized attention. The Durango’s transfer case and differentials are lubricated with specific gear lubes that must handle high loads and prevent wear. For the transfer case and both front and rear differentials, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended product. This lube offers advanced protection against wear and controls thermal runaway, which is a common issue in heavy-duty applications. It also contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications, ensuring quiet operation and long seal life. The capacities vary by component, with the front differential requiring approximately 1.7 pints, the rear differential varying between 1.9 to 2.3 pints depending on the specific axle ratio, and the transfer case requiring about 4 pints. Proper lubrication of these areas is crucial for maintaining the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive capabilities and overall drivetrain health.
Cooling, Brakes, and Other Critical Fluids
The cooling system plays a vital role in managing the thermal output of the Hemi engine. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, and silicate-free formula that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses from corrosion and erosion. For those who prefer to mix their own coolant, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a versatile solution that greatly surpasses industry standards for metallic corrosion protection. The cooling system capacity for the 2018 Durango is 16.1 quarts, so having the correct volume is essential for proper heat exchange.
AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is another critical safety component that should not be overlooked. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to brake fade under heavy use. This fluid is designed to maintain a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. This synthetic formulation helps prevent the sponginess that occurs with aged conventional fluid. For power steering systems, the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid offers strong anti-wear protection and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, ensuring quiet and responsive steering even in extreme temperatures.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Dodge Durango represents the peak of the third-generation model line, offering a blend of rugged utility and surprising on-road refinement. Produced at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, this full-size SUV is built on the LX platform, which it shares with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, providing a solid foundation for both comfort and capability. The vehicle is renowned for its bold styling, spacious interior that can seat up to seven passengers, and a versatile powertrain lineup that caters to a wide range of needs. For the owner of the 6.4L Hemi V-8, the driving character is defined by strong acceleration and a visceral sound that few other SUVs can match. This engine delivers approximately 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable choice for hauling heavy loads or towing boat and RV campers.
Despite its muscular capabilities, the Durango also serves as a daily driver for many families, balancing performance with a level of luxury that includes available premium leather interiors and advanced technology features. The reputation of the vehicle is largely built on its reliability and the robustness of its mechanical components. However, like any high-performance vehicle, the 6.4L Hemi has specific requirements that distinguish it from standard consumer cars. Owners frequently report that the engine is sensitive to oil quality, particularly regarding carbon buildup in the intake valves, a common trait of Direct Injection engines. Regular maintenance with high-quality fluids can significantly mitigate these issues.
Several common problems or concerns are associated with this vehicle that proper lubrication can help address. First, the 6.4L Hemi engine can experience excessive oil consumption in certain driving conditions or at higher mileage. Using a synthetic motor oil with superior volatility resistance helps minimize this issue and keeps the engine running cleanly. Second, some owners have noted shudder or rough shifting in the 8-speed automatic transmission, especially during low-speed maneuvers. Upgrading to a high-performance synthetic transmission fluid like the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid can smooth out shifts and reduce the incidence of shudder by maintaining optimal viscosity and friction characteristics. Third, brake fade under heavy towing or track use is a concern for high-performance SUVs; synthetic brake fluid with a higher dry and wet boiling point ensures consistent stopping power when the system is under extreme thermal load. Finally, cooling system failures due to corrosion or leaks can occur over time, leading to overheating. A high-quality antifreeze formulation prevents corrosion and protects the various metals and rubber components in the cooling system, extending the life of the radiator and heater core. By addressing these specific areas with the right lubricants, owners can ensure their 2018 Dodge Durango remains a reliable and high-performing companion on the road for years to come.