Keeping your 2016 Ram 2500 equipped with the correct fluids is essential for maintaining peak performance, extending engine life, and ensuring reliable operation under the toughest conditions. Whether you are towing heavy loads, hauling equipment, or simply navigating daily traffic, the demands placed on your vehicle’s powertrain require lubricants that exceed standard industry specifications. Using the right oils and filters helps prevent wear, reduces operating temperatures, and ensures your 5.7L V8 engine runs smoothly for the long haul.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection and extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles for vehicles with gross combined weights under 14,000 lbs.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides extended drain intervals of up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A budget-friendly synthetic option designed to fight sludge and deposits, performing at or better than conventional oils.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and boost cleaning power.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters to ensure efficient oil flow.
- WIX Air Filter – Includes premium filtration media to protect the engine from dust and debris while maintaining optimal airflow.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures for 66RFE transmissions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Delivers excellent cold-weather performance and guards against leaks in automatic transmissions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway in differentials and transfer cases, including limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation engineered to exceed OEM requirements with protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, phosphate- and silicate-free coolant that offers extended protection in heavy-duty applications.
Selecting the correct motor oil for your 2016 Ram 2500 begins with understanding the specific requirements of its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. For this vehicle, AMSOIL recommends 5W-20 viscosity grades for optimal performance. The engine requires a 7-quart capacity when the oil filter is included, and owners should always check the oil level after refilling to ensure proper lubrication. The oil drain plug torque specification is 25 ft-lbs. This oil grade is particularly well-suited for the 2500 and 3500 pickups with a gross combined weight less than 14,000 lbs. By choosing a full synthetic option, you ensure rapid lubrication flow during cold starts and superior stability under high heat generated by towing or hauling.
The filtration system is just as critical as the oil itself. Your vehicle’s engine protection relies on the WIX Oil Filter (Code 57060), which features premium media designed to outperform standard OEM-branded filters. Similarly, maintaining air intake cleanliness is vital for engine efficiency and power output. The WIX Air Filter (Code 42725) provides superior filtration to keep harmful dust and debris from entering the combustion chamber, ensuring the engine breathes freely and operates at peak efficiency.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
Keeping the transmission and drivetrain components properly lubricated is essential for the longevity of your 2016 Ram 2500. The automatic transmission (66RFE) in this model requires specific attention due to the heavy loads it is designed to handle. For rear-wheel-drive configurations, the total fill capacity is 12 quarts, while the initial fill requires 5.5 quarts. Four-wheel-drive variants have a total fill capacity of 12 quarts with an initial fill of 6.6 quarts. The Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is an ideal choice, as it withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. It remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures, providing reserve protection during heavy use. For those seeking a cost-effective alternative that still offers robust protection, the OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid resists harmful sludge, guards against leaks, and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts.
The drivetrain also requires high-quality lubricants to handle the torque of the diesel or gasoline engine. For transfer cases, such as the BW 44-46 or BW 44-47, the capacity is approximately 3.8 pints. The fill procedure involves filling the transfer case to the bottom edge of the fill plug opening, with torque specifications of 15-22 ft-lbs for both the drain and fill plugs. For differential lubrication, the 9.25 AA front axle (with or without limited slip) requires 4.2 to 4.6 pints, while the rear 11.5 AA axles require between 8.5 and 8.9 pints depending on the limited slip status. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended fluid for all these differentials. It contains friction modifiers specifically designed for limited-slip applications, controls thermal runaway, and helps reduce operating temperatures, extending the life of seals and equipment.
Brake Fluids and Cooling Systems
Braking system safety cannot be compromised. The 2016 Ram 2500 utilizes a hydraulic brake fluid meeting DOT 3 specifications, such as P/N 04318080AC, which meets the MS-4574 standard. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is highly recommended for superior performance. It provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness by maintaining a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking power in both freezing winter conditions and hot summer stops.
Effective cooling is also vital for preventing engine overheating, especially when the truck is under load. The cooling system capacity for this vehicle is 18.3 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation designed for a wide variety of vehicles. It is engineered to exceed OEM requirements and offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses while being free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates. For those who prefer a concentrated solution, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers even greater durability, providing protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars and light trucks, and up to 1,000,000 miles in heavy-duty applications.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Ram 2500 Pickup represents the continuation of the fifth-generation Ram heavy-duty truck line, a platform known for its robust construction and capability. This generation, produced by FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), solidified Ram’s reputation as a top contender in the heavy-duty market, directly challenging long-standing competitors. The 2016 model year is particularly notable for the refinement of the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine, which serves as the gasoline powertrain option for this vehicle. This engine delivers a powerful combination of torque and horsepower, making it a favorite for those who need substantial pulling power without the complexity of a diesel engine.
Owners of the 2016 Ram 2500 often appreciate its blend of workhorse utility and daily drivability. The truck features a spacious and functional interior, often equipped with advanced technology for its time, including infotainment systems that were considered cutting-edge. The frame is built to handle significant payloads and towing capacities, supported by independent front suspension designs that improve ride quality compared to older solid-axle setups. The 2016 model year also benefited from various powertrain improvements that enhanced fuel efficiency and durability. Whether used for commercial hauling, agricultural work, or recreational towing, the 2016 Ram 2500 is widely regarded as a reliable, powerful, and versatile vehicle capable of handling the demands of heavy-duty work and long-distance travel with ease.