The 2018 Ram 3500 Pickup with the 6.4L V8 engine demands a lubrication strategy that goes beyond basic oil change intervals. This powerful heavy-duty truck, often used for serious towing and hauling, places immense stress on its internal components. Synthetic lubrication provides the necessary thermal stability and film strength to protect against wear during high-load operations, extreme temperature fluctuations, and extended service intervals. By utilizing high-performance synthetics, owners can ensure better fuel economy, reduced engine deposits, and superior protection against sludge formation, keeping their vehicle operating at peak efficiency.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For the 6.4L engine in the 2018 Ram 3500, the following fluids and filters are specifically recommended to ensure maximum protection and performance:
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides the highest level of protection with 75% more engine defense against horsepower loss and wear, ideal for heavy towing and extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective alternative that outperforms conventional oils and is proven to fight sludge and deposits effectively while protecting turbochargers.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A specialized formula designed for the unique demands of gasoline and diesel engines, featuring a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium filtration media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer (OEM) branded filters to trap contaminants effectively.
- WIX Air Filter – Provides high-quality airflow and filtration to keep the 6.4L engine breathing cleanly, ensuring optimal combustion and performance.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion protection for extended service life.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against wear and harmful sludge buildup in the transmission.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Delivers advanced protection against wear and rust for limited-slip differentials, helping to reduce operating temperatures.
Proper fluid maintenance for the 2018 Ram 3500 is critical because the 6.4L HEMI V8 is a robust engine often pushed to its limits. Whether you are hauling a heavy trailer up a steep grade or driving in freezing winters, the viscosity and chemical stability of your lubricants are paramount. The 2018 model’s engine requires synthetic oil; the 7-quart capacity ensures adequate coverage for all moving parts. Using AMSOIL’s 0W-40 viscosity grades allows for easier cold starts while maintaining a robust protective film at high operating temperatures, preventing the oil breakdown that can lead to costly engine repairs.
The automatic transmission in this vehicle, specifically the 6-speed variants like the 66RFE or AS69RC, also benefits greatly from full synthetic fluids. The stresses of towing can cause transmission fluid to degrade faster than conventional formulas. By switching to AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid or OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, you not only extend the life of the transmission but also improve shift quality and reduce the risk of shudder or overheating. These fluids are designed to maintain their viscosity and protective properties under severe conditions, ensuring the transmission operates smoothly for years.
For the cooling system, the 2018 Ram 3500 has a capacity of approximately 16.6 quarts. Using a high-quality antifreeze like the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ensures that the engine stays within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating during summer hauling or freezing during winter storage. This Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant formulation is phosphate-free and compatible with all engine metals, offering superior corrosion protection that prevents leaks and radiator damage. Similarly, the differential and transfer case components require heavy-duty lubrication. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provides the necessary film strength to protect gear teeth from wear, especially in limited-slip applications, while helping to control thermal runaway in high-stress environments.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Ram 3500 Pickup is a cornerstone of the heavy-duty truck market, representing the pinnacle of work-capable vehicles available to consumers. Built on a robust platform, the 3500 is designed for maximum towing and hauling capacity, making it a favorite among contractors, fleet operators, and recreational vehicle owners. This generation features a powerful lineup of engines, with the 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine serving as the most common powerplant for those who do not require the extreme torque of the 6.7L Cummins diesel. The 6.4L engine delivers over 400 horsepower and significant torque, offering a smooth and responsive driving character that balances power with the capability to move heavy loads.
Owners of the 2018 Ram 3500 often appreciate its blend of rugged durability and refined cabin comfort. It is a vehicle that feels substantial on the road, with a suspension tuned to handle the weight of cargo and trailers without compromising ride quality excessively. The interior typically includes high-quality materials and advanced technology features, reflecting Ram’s commitment to competing in the luxury truck segment. The 3500’s rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive configurations, paired with optional limited-slip differentials, provide excellent traction in various road conditions, whether on a construction site or a winter highway.
While the 2018 Ram 3500 is a reliable machine, certain issues can arise that proper lubrication can help mitigate. One common concern for owners of the 6.4L HEMI is carbon buildup in the intake ports and on the valves, a condition exacerbated by city driving and short trips. Regular maintenance with high-quality synthetic oil and the use of a fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help restore injectors and reduce carbon deposits, maintaining engine efficiency and power. Another potential issue involves oil consumption, which some owners have experienced in earlier model years of the 6.4L. AMSOIL’s synthetic formulations offer superior oil consumption control and seal compatibility, helping to minimize the consumption of oil between changes and keeping the engine running cleaner.
Differential and transfer case wear is another area of concern, particularly for trucks used for frequent towing. The extreme pressure exerted on gears during heavy loads can lead to metal-to-metal contact and eventual wear. Using a dedicated synthetic AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube helps prevent this wear and extends the life of these critical drivetrain components. Additionally, brake system performance can degrade over time due to moisture absorption in AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid, leading to a spongy pedal feel or reduced stopping power. AMSOIL’s synthetic brake fluid is hygroscopic-resistant and maintains stable viscosity, ensuring crisp brake response and preventing corrosion in the ABS system, which is vital for a heavy vehicle like the 3500.
Ultimately, the 2018 Ram 3500 is a vehicle built to get the job done. By selecting the right lubricants, owners can maximize the potential of their truck while protecting their investment against the wear and tear of heavy-duty use. The combination of a powerful HEMI engine and a heavy-duty chassis deserves a lubrication strategy that matches its capabilities.