NEWB.

[Brymax01]

Newb here.
ALMOST traded in my 2016 Ram 1500 last week on a 2023 Ford Tremor.
Almost!
Nice truck, but I just couldn't do it.
I felt like a traitor.

Main reason I was considering a new truck is because I'm starting to feel some transmission clunks, got a few manifold bolts broken, and in general I have a terrible history of constantly buying new cars.
I've never paid off a car loan in my entire life. Always had a car payment since 16yrs old and I'm 58.

But I've decided I'm going to keep this one.
At least that's how I feel currently.

New headers
Drivetrain work and whatever tranny issues
and some upgrades in the future.

Joined here for the intel.

 

[RamDiver]

Newb here.
ALMOST traded in my 2016 Ram 1500 last week on a 2023 Ford Tremor.
Almost!
Nice truck, but I just couldn't do it.
I felt like a traitor.

Main reason I was considering a new truck is because I'm starting to feel some transmission clunks, got a few manifold bolts broken, and in general I have a terrible history of constantly buying new cars.
I've never paid off a car loan in my entire life. Always had a car payment since 16yrs old and I'm 58.

But I've decided I'm going to keep this one.
At least that's how I feel currently.

New headers
Drivetrain work and whatever tranny issues
and some upgrades in the future.

Joined here for the intel.

Welcome to Ram Forum.

I think you have made a wise choice. Most of the new trucks are hit or miss, or a complete crapshoot of headaches or not. My cutoff year for a new truck is '21 or '22.


What is your truck's mileage and the transmission maintenance history?
Most of the membership here doesn't believe the Stellantis story about the tranny being sealed with lifetime fluid.

ZF, the tranny manufacturer, recommends fluid changes at 50K to 70K miles, depending on the use.

You will find many threads covering the drain & fill process and replacement pans that are far superior to the OE plastic POS pan. The PPE +2 quart aluminum pan with replaceable filter media will be my choice when it's time.


Tranny fluid level directions from ZF;





Also recommended is a thermal bypass kit to control the tranny temps and prevent a thermal runaway when the OE system fails. I have this kit, but it's not installed yet.


The Jesse Caulk thermal bypass kit.

8HP Thermal Bypass Bundle | Your Auto Huckleberry

Are you a RAM or JEEP enthusiast who values peak performance and reliability in your ride? Say hello to the Thermal Bypass Valve Bundle for 8HP70 and 8HP75 ...

yourautohuckleberry.com

Use the search utility in the upper-right corner to learn more about either of these topics.

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[Brymax01]

Copy all. Thanks!

My truck has 77K miles on it, so still running strong.
My local truck shop "Billy-Bob's Offroad & Truck", told me yesterday they seriously doubt I have an actual tranny problem, but they won't know for sure until they get in there.
Which won't be until Sept. 21st.
That's how backlogged they are on service work.
So, don't let the name fool ya. They're freakin awesome.
Everyone in the area that needs anything more than an oil change goes to them.

I'll definitely get the pan and bypass kit in prep for their upcoming work.

Thanks again.

 

[RamDiver]

Copy all. Thanks!

My truck has 77K miles on it, so still running strong.
My local truck shop "Billy-Bob's Offroad & Truck", told me yesterday they seriously doubt I have an actual tranny problem, but they won't know for sure until they get in there.
Which won't be until Sept. 21st.
That's how backlogged they are on service work.
So, don't let the name fool ya. They're freakin awesome.
Everyone in the area that needs anything more than an oil change goes to them.

I'll definitely get the pan and bypass kit in prep for their upcoming work.

Thanks again.

You're most welcome.


A few tidbits;

Multiple drain and fills are the preferred method of fluid exchange. A simple drain will leave about 2.5 quarts of old fluid remaining. Never flush a ZF 8-speed. And print the green sheet, read it many times, paying close attention to the bolded sections.

I would discuss these directions in advance with anyone I have chosen to complete the work.
If they're not 100% agreeable, I would look elsewhere.

Specifically, the tranny must be levelled, not the truck. The fluid measuring process requires the rear end to be lifted 8-10 inches, regardless of numerous YouTube videos and supposed experts who might say otherwise.

The green sheet is from ZF, the transmission manufacturer.

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