Maintaining the lubrication systems of your 2018 Ram 2500 Pickup with the 6.4L 8-cylinder engine is essential for ensuring the vehicle remains reliable under heavy loads and in diverse driving conditions. This powerhouse truck, equipped with the robust Hemi V-8 engine, demands high-performance synthetic lubricants to withstand the intense thermal and mechanical stresses of towing, hauling, and extended service intervals. By using premium synthetic fluids designed for this specific application, owners can maximize engine life, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure consistent performance regardless of the weather or terrain.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top-tier choice for this engine, offering 75% more protection against wear and horsepower loss, capable of extending change intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A value-oriented synthetic option that effectively fights sludge and deposits while providing excellent protection for turbochargers and engine components.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A specialized formula designed for the precise demands of gasoline and diesel engines, featuring a unique blend of synthetic base oils for superior performance.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium filtration solution designed to work in tandem with AMSOIL oils, capturing contaminants to ensure the engine receives clean lubricant for maximum protection.
- WIX Air Filter – High-efficiency filtration for the intake system, preventing dust and debris from entering the combustion chamber and causing premature wear.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed solution engineered to exceed OEM requirements, protecting against corrosion and freezing down to -34°F while lasting up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, non-toxic alternative that requires mixing, offering extended service intervals and superior protection for heavy-duty applications.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, ensuring smooth shifts and reserve protection during abuse.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A robust synthetic fluid that guards against leaks, resists sludge, and provides excellent cold-weather performance for smoother operation.
- WIX Transmission Filter – Ensures the transmission fluid remains clean, trapping metal particles and debris to prolong the life of the 66RFE transmission.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems with a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Specifically formulated for limited-slip and standard differentials, offering advanced wear protection and thermal runaway control.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans fuel injectors, ensuring optimal combustion efficiency for the 6.4L engine.
The engine lubrication specifications for the 2018 Ram 2500 Pickup with the 6.4L 8-cylinder engine are critical. Synthetic oil is required for this powertrain. The total capacity, when including the oil filter, is 7.0 quarts. It is vital to refill the engine to the proper level and check the oil level after the refill to ensure adequate coverage. When servicing the drain plug, a torque of 20 ft/lbs should be applied to prevent damage or leaks.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
The 2018 Ram 2500 Pickup often comes equipped with the 66RFE 6-speed automatic transmission, particularly in 4WD configurations. This transmission requires a specific synthetic transmission fluid to handle the demands of a heavy-duty truck, especially when towing trailers or hauling construction materials. For the 4WD configuration, the total fill capacity is 12 quarts, while the initial fill requires approximately 6.6 quarts. In 2WD (RWD) models, the total fill is also 12 quarts, with an initial fill of 5.5 quarts. The transmission fluid must meet the rigorous standards of MS9602, often labeled as ATF+4. AMSOIL offers both a Signature Series and an OE Multi-Vehicle option, both of which are designed to withstand high temperatures, resist sludge formation, and provide the reserve protection needed during heavy loads. Additionally, the transfer case on BW 44-46 and BW 44-47 models requires approximately 3.8 pints of fluid, and it should be filled to the bottom edge of the fill plug opening with a torque specification of 15-22 ft/lbs for both the drain and fill plugs.
Differential lubrication is equally important for maintaining the durability of the axles. The 9.25-inch front axle requires 4.2 pints for a limited-slip model or 4.6 pints for a standard model using AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85. The rear 11.5-inch axle requires 8.5 pints for a limited-slip setup and 8.9 pints for a standard differential. These capacities assume the use of a synthetic fluid that meets GL-5 specifications for all temperature ranges. The 75W-85 viscosity provides excellent protection against wear and rust while helping to reduce operating temperatures and extend the life of seals and equipment.
Cooling System and Brake Fluid
The cooling system in the 2018 Ram 2500 is substantial, with a total capacity of 16.6 quarts for the antifreeze and coolant. Using a high-quality synthetic coolant like the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ensures that the engine operates within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating and corrosion. This OAT (Organic Acid Technology) formulation protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses, and it is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free. For owners who prefer a concentrated coolant that requires mixing with distilled water, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze is an excellent alternative, offering a non-toxic solution that lasts up to 5 years or 150,000 miles in light trucks. The brake fluid should be a DOT 3 or DOT 4 synthetic fluid to ensure stable viscosity and excellent ABS responsiveness, crucial for a heavy vehicle that carries significant weight.
For those looking to maximize the fuel efficiency and performance of their 6.4L engine, AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver is a recommended addition. This gasoline additive works to restore up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after a single tank, reducing the need for higher-octane fuel and helping to control pre-ignition knock. It is compatible with capless fuel systems and works effectively across the entire fuel system to ensure the engine runs smoothly.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Ram 2500 Pickup stands as a flagship in the heavy-duty truck segment, renowned for its capability to handle the toughest jobs with minimal compromise. Powered by the renowned 6.4L HEMI V-8 engine, this vehicle offers a robust blend of power and torque that is essential for towing heavy loads, pulling trailers, or navigating rugged terrains. The HEMI engine, known for its MDS (Multi-Displacement System), allows for optimized fuel economy by disabling cylinders under light loads while providing full V-8 performance when power is needed. The 2018 model year marked a continuation of the fourth generation of the Ram 2500, introduced in 2010, which represented a significant leap in engineering, safety, and technology for the Ram brand. This generation moved the truck towards a more refined driving experience without sacrificing its heavy-duty capabilities.
Owners of the 2018 Ram 2500 appreciate the vehicle’s versatility, which ranges from commercial workhorse to a comfortable daily driver. The truck’s suspension system, particularly the optional air suspension available on higher trims, provides a smooth ride that rivals many light-duty trucks, even when the truck is empty. The interior has been praised for its spaciousness and modern amenities, including advanced infotainment systems and available luxury features that make long hauls or daily commutes more enjoyable. The Ram 2500 also boasts a high payload capacity, making it a favorite among contractors, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts who require a reliable vehicle to transport equipment and cargo.
While the 2018 Ram 2500 is a highly capable truck, like any complex machine, it can benefit from superior lubrication to mitigate common issues associated with heavy-duty use. One frequent problem is engine sludge and deposit buildup, which can occur over time due to the harsh operating conditions, especially if the vehicle is used for towing frequently. AMSOIL synthetic oils are formulated to resist sludge formation and keep engine components clean, addressing this concern effectively. Another potential issue is transmission wear, particularly in the 66RFE transmission which is subjected to high thermal loads during towing. Using a synthetic transmission fluid like the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF helps to reduce heat and prevent wear, extending the life of the transmission.
Corrosion in the cooling system is also a concern for trucks that are frequently exposed to road salt and harsh winter conditions. The specialized OAT antifreeze used in this truck can degrade over time, leading to potential coolant leaks or overheating. Switching to a long-lasting synthetic coolant like AMSOIL provides superior corrosion protection, ensuring the cooling system remains intact. Finally, the truck’s differentials and transfer cases can suffer from wear and thermal breakdown if standard mineral-based gear oils are used. The heavy loads placed on these components can cause the oil to thin out at high temperatures, leading to metal-to-metal contact. Using a synthetic 75W-85 gear lube like AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® maintains viscosity under extreme pressure and temperature, preventing premature wear and ensuring smooth operation of the drivetrain components.