JS1500
Member
What's the general consensus on changing the 8 speed transmission fluid? Should you attempt to change it or just trust that the fluid lasts a really long time? I don't know how sold I am on the idea of it being "lifetime fluid."
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It's like 1200 bucks to have a dealer change the fluid, the pan and filter are allinone and need replacing. It's 4500 for a new transmission. The filters are synthetic, so that backs up a lifetime use interval. If you change the fluid, how do you tell if it's full, no fluid stick? That's a thing trust me, lol. It's a huge deal just to see the level of your fluid. Here's the process for changing the fluid, if I had the 8 speed, I woulda bought the max life warranty with it and not touched it.
Absolutely agree, my 16 8 speed is approaching 40k so it's in my near future as the trans regularly sees 190 trans temps and lots of in town plus freeway driving. Not certain I want to mix the zf with redline but given redline's results on everything I've used it in, I may lean that direction come change time.
Thanks
Burla,
You are correct it's whacked but these are the cards we have been dealt on the 8 speed trucks. My 2011 is the 6 speed and my 2016 is the 8. The 11 is easier to check but IMHO harder than the 16 to change due to the two filters required.
I also like the 125 to 140 operational temp of my 11 vs the 185 to 200 operational temp of the 16. However I realize getting the temp down on the 16 is probably not possible due to how it's built with that heater on the trans so learning how to change the fluid is required.
Have you changed to Redline trans fluid vs the stock Mopar ZF?
No, and I don't think I know anyone who has. I doubt it would be that much of an upgrade as the PAO mopar stuff is very high performance oil. Probably a wash between the two, but redline d6 likely will be substantially cheaper. I agree the 8 speed has so many benefits, but I am just pointing out the cost to receive those benefits. And if the OP wants a "consensus", good luck with that, lol. I wouldn't pay 1200 for a fluid change, so it would either be buck up and do it myself, or test ram's opinion it is lifetime fill.
Absolutely agree, my 16 8 speed is approaching 40k so it's in my near future as the trans regularly sees 190 trans temps and lots of in town plus freeway driving. Not certain I want to mix the zf with redline but given redline's results on everything I've used it in, I may lean that direction come change time.
Thanks