Tranny oil change - 8 speed

RamFP620 · Dec 29, 2021

So to make sure what I've read concerning a tranny oil change.....

1. Drain the pan using the drain plug
2. Remove the pan
3. Re-install the new pan, like the one from Dorman since it has a removable filter
4. Jack rear end up to get tires off the ground
5. Make sure tranny is level
6. Fill the tranny from the fill hole until fluid starts to flow back out of the hole
7. Start engine
8. Cycle tranny through the gears - also get tranny to shift in to 2nd
9. Check fluid level and add more until fluid starts to dribble out of the hole
10. Repeat 8 and 9 until fluid is dripping out of the hole and no more fluid can be added

How many quarts of fluid should I purchase? It seems that I won't need the full amount as specified in the manual. Should I get the ZF Lifeguard 8 or equivalent like Amsoil?

Zoe Saldana · Dec 29, 2021

RAM 1500 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid Change 8HP70

Here is the Mopar Transmission Pan I would recommend sticking with.https://amzn.to/3zXTmQ4Here is the mopar 8 speed transmission fluidhttps://amzn.to/3rMXNup...

www.youtube.com

Correct but #4 is dangerous.

Burla · Dec 29, 2021

Maxlife multi use = to zf8 fluid, if you want a little performance amsoil multi would be the choice. Amsoil has better performance in the hot and cold as shown pour points and cSt operating visc. There is no compatibility issues around any of these, they would all mix and match.

Amsoil multi
Vis @ 100, 6.3
Pour point, -65c
VI, 159

Maxlife multi
Viscosity at 100°C 5.9
Pour Point -42c
Add a impressive VI at 163

zf8 fluid
Viscosity at 100°C 5.6
Pour point -42°C

RamFP620 · Dec 29, 2021

Zoe Saldana said:
RAM 1500 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid Change 8HP70

Here is the Mopar Transmission Pan I would recommend sticking with.https://amzn.to/3zXTmQ4Here is the mopar 8 speed transmission fluidhttps://amzn.to/3rMXNup...

www.youtube.com

Correct but #4 is dangerous.

That was one of the better videos I saw.

If you can't do #4, what's the alternative?

RamFP620 · Dec 29, 2021

Burla said:
Maxlife multi use = to zf8 fluid, if you want a little performance amsoil multi would be the choice. Amsoil has better performance in the hot and cold as shown pour points and cSt operating visc. There is no compatibility issues around any of these, they would all mix and match.

Which one of these from Amsoil?

https://www.amsoil.com/p/oe-multi-vehicle-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-otf/

https://www.amsoil.com/p/signature-series-multi-vehicle-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-atf/

Burla · Dec 29, 2021

I don't know which ones the zf guys are using to be honest, I know that so far so good with amsoil in the zf8. You might want to pose that question for guys using amsoil in the zf.

EdGs · Dec 29, 2021

@Wild one has posted factory fill instructions throughout this site. Follow them.

You have to be done with the fill procedure before the trans temp hits 122° F. also. Doable, but you will be very close if not over, unless you start completely cold and it is cold out.

You will have to get the rear wheels up about 9 or 10 inches or so for the pan rail to be level.

Make sure you have the vehicle supported and properly blocked.

Before you remove the pan, make sure to break the fill plug loose on the side of the transmission. Hercules must've been working on the line when mine was filled, that sucker was tight.

I only got about 4-1/2 qts. out of mine on the drain, but the fill took about 5-1/4, so mine was down a little. Not sure why.

I used OE Mopar fluid in mine (just my preference). Some here have used Valvoline Maxlife, Amsoil, Red Line, etc. Your choice there.

Best of luck with your fluid swap, may it go smoothly.

Burla · Dec 29, 2021

redline would be d6, but we have had some guys love it and some guys find it too slippery, it for real would have great performance in a zf that gets too hot, but I'd use amsoil before redline as there havent been any reports of slipping. And since it is rumored that I am mr redline around here, that is saying something?

And for sure the amsoil to use is SS and not OE, I didnt notice that from link til Ill looked a second time.

EdGs · Dec 29, 2021

Burla said:
........And since it is rumored that I am mr redline around here, that is saying something?..........

I don"t know what you're talking about....lol.

RamFP620 · Dec 29, 2021

Thanks everyone for the advice. At least I'll be saving some $$$ doing it myself.

HEMIMANN · Dec 29, 2021

Without question I would go with Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission Oil. It has superior published typical properties compared to the others, and Red Line pricey "fix it" properties aren't needed for this excellent transmission (unlike the Hemi engines).

Amsoil seems to have come out with a "Fuel Efficient" ATF version targeted to the ZF 8HP70 transmission specifically. Not sure what the deal is here, compared to the previous Chrysler RFE transmissions.

Here is their online selector tool. Call and ask them. https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-...l-8-cyl-engine-code-t-ezh-1/?volume=us-volume

Mister Luck · Dec 30, 2021

Small details like removing the fill plug and releasing fluid before removing the drain on the pan.

The pan will have some residual fluid left as you lower it, and when pulling the pan off you need to check and make sure the O’ring from the filter didn’t slip off and stay inside the valve body.

(Edit)
When refilling fluid temperature monitoring is critical
Using the cluster gauge in the dash is not sufficient.
Monitoring transmission temperature should be done with a quality scan tool with that option.

BigTex13 · Dec 30, 2021

I just had my 2015 1500 at the dealer to have my clockspring and steering wheel wiring replaced ND when I asked them about changing the transmission fluid, I specified just changing the pan/filter/drain&fill, they said they wouldn't do it since it is lifetime fluid. I'm hesitant to do it myself because I don't want to mess anything up with the transmission since I don't have any way to monitor temps. I guess I'll have to find a reputable local shop willing to do it and use Amsoil fluids.

PoMansRam · Dec 30, 2021

@RamFP620, your list looks pretty accurate. I'm not sure what you intend to use to get fluid back into your ZF8, but something like this would be the beez neez. I saw Eric O over on South Main Auto using one to refill a transfer case with gear oil and he highly recommended them for getting ATF or gear oil into awkward fill holes. https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Guy-Rep...ords=drill+pump+for+oil&qid=1640881010&sr=8-3

Mister Luck · Dec 30, 2021

HEMIMANN said:
Without question I would go with Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission Oil. It has superior published typical properties compared to the others, and Red Line pricey "fix it" properties aren't needed for this excellent transmission (unlike the Hemi engines).

Amsoil seems to have come out with a "Fuel Efficient" ATF version targeted to the ZF 8HP70 transmission specifically. Not sure what the deal is here, compared to the previous Chrysler RFE transmissions.

Here is their online selector tool. Call and ask them. https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-...l-8-cyl-engine-code-t-ezh-1/?volume=us-volume

I agree with using Amsoil for the ZF

The difference I believe between the ZF and the RFE is the response time of shifts the ZF can change gears in 400ms
The ZF is lighter in overall weight and is able to handle greater torque values. FCA USA uses Chrysler’s Kokomo transmission plant to produce the ZF with permission of ZF GROUP in Germany. Part of the agreement is to share research and development between the rest of the Groups participants,
BMW , Porshe Audi VW, , Lamborghini including software as
well as mechanical enhancements.

joesstripclub · Dec 30, 2021

I jack the rear of my truck up and set it down on the highest level my jack stands go and its still not quite level. If you have larger jack stands it might get level but I havent had any issues with the fill level from my procedure. Just make sure whatever you do to not do the fill procedure on just a jack. Otherwise I think you have all the steps down. I've done mine 3 times now (long story) and its a pretty straightforward process. I also highly recommend a HD sprayer for your fluid fill. Simply take the wand off the trigger and install a length of tubing that is the same diameter. I cant remember the size, 5/16 maybe?, but its easy to find at HD while you grab the sprayer. Easy 1 person operation and it will even pump diff fluid when you get to that service.

Mister Luck · Dec 30, 2021

BigTex13 said:
I just had my 2015 1500 at the dealer to have my clockspring and steering wheel wiring replaced ND when I asked them about changing the transmission fluid, I specified just changing the pan/filter/drain&fill, they said they wouldn't do it since it is lifetime fluid. I'm hesitant to do it myself because I don't want to mess anything up with the transmission since I don't have any way to monitor temps. I guess I'll have to find a reputable local shop willing to do it and use Amsoil fluids.

The lifetime oil rating decal is placed on the transmission by the vehicle manufacturers not at the specifications of the transmission designers (ZF Friedrichshafen) besides the 100,000km / 60,000 mile service interval , other extenuating circumstances are severe service or unknown service life as with previously owned vehicles.

High end luxury cars like Bentley Lamborghni Mercedes etc. incorporate the use of the ZF giving the service specifications an added aristocratic premise and with that the added responsibility of comebacks and legal obligations, the average repair facility is not willing to marry into without a previous service relationship.
Or if similar relationships had a falling out.

DA Smith · Dec 30, 2021

If they don't want to change your Trans fluid have them sign, date , and have the disclaimer notarized to the fact that they said fluid is lifetime and will not change it. Just drive and enjoy your truck and if the transmission fails they can replace it with a new one when you whip out their signed copy of their ignorance!

Midknight · Dec 30, 2021

Some little things from my experience doing this:

Jack the truck up first and crack fill plug as noted by others. I needed big 10 ton stands for the height. I used smaller stands for safety in other locations in case something kicked out. Extra safety!

Unbolt the pan from one end (tilting) to allow the fluid to drain before dropping. You won't be able to access the drain plug.

The pan can be a close fit when trying to remove it. Be careful and use finesse and not brute force. Same goes for reinstalling new.

Absolutely get a pump, I used a cheap battery electric one from Harbor Freight. Makes getting the fluid in fast enough without getting over temp. This was the best trick and saved seroius agrevation since it was dark for me.

Good luck, it's not that hard after the first trial.

Roadwarrior1500 · Jan 1, 2022

Regarding what fluid; I have a 2017 8 speed, Hemi, Crew and went with the Amsoil, changed it at 100k. It didn't seem to shift smooth at first. Had to take it to the dealer and they did a "Re-learn" with their scanner. Took about 300 miles to learn my driving habits.. Ever since the re-learn she shifts great and runs 10 degrees cooler. I have 195k on the truck now and no issues with the trans. Not one to believe in "Sealed for life" when ZF tells you to change the Fluid and FCA's customer service has no clue.

Tranny oil change - 8 speed

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