What's the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

[Ray R]

What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

I just finished having the gears replaced in my '02 RT/10 (3.55:1). The '02 owners manual says the differential capacity is 45 ounces. In the owners manual for my 2000 GTS, it says the capacity is 60 ounces. Does anyone know what changed in the differential from 2000 to 2002? I know there was a pinion gear change from 3/8" to 7/16", but I don't think that would have anything to do with fluid capacity.

Ray

 

[Ray R]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

Nevermind....the 2000 shop manual says 45 oz.

Must be a misprint in the owners manual. Anyone else notice?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

I can't even put 45oz in my 98 or 97. I think it's more like 36oz. 1qt and 1 bottle of modifier.

 

[rcdice]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

Ray,

What do you think of the 3.55's thus far? I've been thinking of doing the same swap in my 01.

 

[Got_Vnum]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

Ray,

What do you think of the 3.55's thus far? I've been thinking of doing the same swap in my 01.

I know you asked Ray, but Ill chime in anyways Get the 3.55. Feels like 40-50 hp, makes the car feel much better driving around town, youll actually be able to use 6th gear. Wish I had gotten it sooner!

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

youll actually be able to use 6th gear.

I have never been able to understand this statement. I use 6th gear on the highway all the time. Maybe that's why I've got 98K on my Viper and it still runs as good today as it did when I bought it 95K miles ago.

 

[CSTER]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

I'm with you, Chuck. I use sixth gear on the highway with no problems at all. Mine will still pull enough to easily pass/change lanes/etc., without necessitating a downshift.

 

[AviP]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

I think most drivers feel the need to be in 6th (overdrive) only around 2000rpm. But you can use 6th as low as 1250 rpm without bogging the engine down as long you are maintaining a steady pace. You will get better mileage and a longer life from the engine. I agree with Chuck 100%.

 

[Got_Vnum]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

youll actually be able to use 6th gear.

I have never been able to understand this statement. I use 6th gear on the highway all the time. Maybe that's why I've got 98K on my Viper and it still runs as good today as it did when I bought it 95K miles ago.

Personal preference I guess, I found 6th too tall for passing on the freeway. Maybe I like to get my passing done faster than you guys

 

[Got_Vnum]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

You will get better mileage and a longer life from the engine. I agree with Chuck 100%.

The mileage wont be affected too much. I just drove to Vegas and back from LA and averaged about 16 mpg doing about 70-100 mph. As far as engine durabilty, I dont think a few extra RPMs are going to affect an 8.0 liter motor, its rock solid as long as you take care of it.

 

[Randy]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

Hmmm.... 6th gear on all highway trips - averaged 22.2 mpg to/from Vegas for VOI5, and averaged around 23 on trips to/from Oklahoma City, Austin, Dallas, and Houston (from San Jose, CA) - all in my old '95 RT/10. Most recently 22.9 to/from VOI8 in my '00 RT/10.

 

[Got_Vnum]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

Hmmmm...perhaps I need to recalculate, went to public school so my math isnt so great. Randy, what speed do you average on your trips?

 

[Randy]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

Hmmmm...perhaps I need to recalculate, went to public school so my math isnt so great. Randy, what speed do you average on your trips?

Hmmmm.... Well, due to carrying a GPS which measures these things, (and putting a dash-mounted GPS in my '00 RT/10) and going ahead and recording the data at the end of each day, I have detailed stats on all of most of my cross-country trips...

For the most recent VOI8 trip, I did 1687 miles in 22 hours and 20 minutes (75.54 mph average) on the way out, and 1671 miles in 22 hours and 15 minutes on the way back (75.10 mph average). For a San Jose, CA/Oklahoma City,OK trip in August of 2000, I did 1635 miles in 21 hours 26 minutes on the way out (74.88 mph average), and 1646 miles in 22 hours 0 min (74.82 mph average).

So, as boring as it may be, I average right at the legal limit for a couple of states (AZ/NM), and 5 over for a couple others (CA/OK/TX). Note this is actual driving time (as in time that I'm actually moving), and doesn't count stopped time.

Yeah, I know, the fact I keep such records is sad...

Randy

 

[Got_Vnum]

Re: What\'s the difference between 2000 and 2002 differential?

I know its been awhile, but I finally recalculated my mileage. Going from Thunder Hill to Simi Valley, CA:

Distance: 464.8 miles
Time: 6.5 Hrs
Avg Speed: 71.5 mph
MPG: 20.07

So it looks like Im averaging about 2 to 3 mpg less. Probably closer to 2 since the drive back from Thunder Hill included some fun stints at 100 - 130mph. Im sure the difference would be less at legal speeds.