Success lowering trans temp with @chaulk04 mod

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

68Malibu383

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2015
Posts
145
Reaction score
66
Ram Year
2015
Engine
426
I installed the transmission heater bypass device from the member listed in the title about 2 months ago and have been very pleased. Without pulling a load, on the highway, with outdoor temperatures in the '70s and '80s, my transmission temperature is low to mid 120s after 30 plus minute drive. Stop and go traffic, highest I've seen is mid-140s and it cools down immediately once I cruise for a few minutes.

I towed a 3,000 lb car on my car hauler over about 120 mi trip and outdoor temps we're in the mid '70s and transmission hovered around upper 130s.

I towed a four-wheel drive F-150 on my car hauler yesterday with outdoor temps right at 90°. 60 miles an hour on the highway over 100 mi drive, trans temps stayed in the mid-140s. Hit mid 150s in stop and go.

Huge difference and very happy with the modification!
 

Attachments

  • 20230603_174922.jpg
    20230603_174922.jpg
    228.4 KB · Views: 20

TotallyHucked

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2023
Posts
409
Reaction score
731
Location
Gainesville, Ga
Ram Year
2017 Sport CCLWB
Engine
5.7
Just got mine from him the other day, can't wait to throw it in. I hate how my trans gets to 190-195* with no load
 

Dodge 1500 4X4

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2019
Posts
2,595
Reaction score
2,285
Location
Rochester, NY
Ram Year
2019
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Yes, it's for the 8-speed contact @chaulk for bypass kit.
 

crazykid1994

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2013
Posts
5,040
Reaction score
4,967
Location
Florida
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Where do you guys pick up this mod? Does it work on the zf-8?
It’s only for the zf8 in the 1500s as the 2500 uses a different thermostat setup. It is well worth it.
As an addition, I just installed the ppe transmission pan. My temps went up slightly. I think it’s due to my exhaust crossover pipe being so close. I know the plastic is less heat absorbent as well. I ordered some exhaust wrap so I’ll post back after I get that installed. Hoping my temps drop back down.
 

Gmantwo

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Posts
24
Reaction score
20
Location
Semo
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7
Someone point me to install instructions. I have my part. Now I just have to figure out how to get the drain plug out of the transmission pan. What a stupid design to put the drain right above the exhaust pipe.
 

CanuckRam1313

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2022
Posts
1,150
Reaction score
2,392
Location
Ontario Canada
Ram Year
2023 Warlock SLT
Engine
5.7
Someone point me to install instructions. I have my part. Now I just have to figure out how to get the drain plug out of the transmission pan. What a stupid design to put the drain right above the exhaust pipe.
If you've purchased the @caulk04 tranny mod there will be a QR code on the package to scan. The detailed instructions will be there.
 

Black1500Ram

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2021
Posts
449
Reaction score
660
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Ram Year
2015
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Someone point me to install instructions. I have my part. Now I just have to figure out how to get the drain plug out of the transmission pan. What a stupid design to put the drain right above the exhaust pipe.
Also with the front of your truck jacked up, you don’t need to drop the trans fluid.

When I did the mod maybe a shot glass worth of fluid came out before I was able to make the switch.

And that was with me fussing/cussing trying many attempts to get the o clip back in.
 

Sherman Bird

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
1,542
Reaction score
2,302
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
I installed the transmission heater bypass device from the member listed in the title about 2 months ago and have been very pleased. Without pulling a load, on the highway, with outdoor temperatures in the '70s and '80s, my transmission temperature is low to mid 120s after 30 plus minute drive. Stop and go traffic, highest I've seen is mid-140s and it cools down immediately once I cruise for a few minutes.

I towed a 3,000 lb car on my car hauler over about 120 mi trip and outdoor temps we're in the mid '70s and transmission hovered around upper 130s.

I towed a four-wheel drive F-150 on my car hauler yesterday with outdoor temps right at 90°. 60 miles an hour on the highway over 100 mi drive, trans temps stayed in the mid-140s. Hit mid 150s in stop and go.

Huge difference and very happy with the modification!
Those temps after modification are fantastic! Definitely salubrious for the life of the transmission!
 

Gmantwo

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Posts
24
Reaction score
20
Location
Semo
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7
Yep, got it done this morning. Man am I impressed. Now trying to decide if I want to raise the trans slightly or loosen the exhaust to get the pan out
 

Gmantwo

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Posts
24
Reaction score
20
Location
Semo
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7
Well, I guess it’s going to be the exhaust. I just realize Loring and transmission doesn’t help because it also lowers the back of the engine.
 

caulk04

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2013
Posts
879
Reaction score
1,533
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7 Hemi
That's a couple times now I've heard people not being able to get the pan out with the exhaust there, I wonder if something has been damaged and moved slightly. My stock pan came out and PPE pan went in without trouble. Tight, yes, but without issue.
 

RamBayou

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2023
Posts
24
Reaction score
31
Location
Louisiana
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I towed my camper for the first time this weekend after doing the cooler bypass mod on my 1500. Pulled at 65-70mph with 87 degree temps outside, it never got above 152 degrees. Much better. I’m extremely happy. Worth the money to save the transmission.
 

Gr8bawana

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Posts
1,281
Reaction score
1,077
Ram Year
2017
Engine
6.7 CTD
Even when I tow our 14K lb 5th wheel in 105° temps my trans temp never reaches 175° and I do not have a bypass.
It usually hovers around 170°.
 

caulk04

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2013
Posts
879
Reaction score
1,533
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Even when I tow our 14K lb 5th wheel in 105° temps my trans temp never reaches 175° and I do not have a bypass.
It usually hovers around 170°.
Bit of a different truck though, no? The 1500 Rams with 8HP trans have a very specific heating/cooling system on the trans that so far has only just carried over to the Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer with Hemi, according to factory parts catalogs.
 

JamesCrowe

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2023
Posts
48
Reaction score
30
Location
Canada
Ram Year
2023
Engine
3.6
Is there a published min/max temp for transmission fluid for the 8HP?
I came from an F150 with a 6R80, and it running warmer was normal.
 

caulk04

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2013
Posts
879
Reaction score
1,533
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7 Hemi
The stock thermostat should keep the fluid around 180. Many feel that's a little too warm, others have experienced the thermostat failing and it's not available for purchase.

Fix it with my part for $40 or buy a new thermal unit for a few hundred and possibly pay someone a few hundred to change it.
 

Wild one

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2016
Posts
13,937
Reaction score
23,937
Ram Year
14 Sport
Engine
5.7
Is there a published min/max temp for transmission fluid for the 8HP?
I came from an F150 with a 6R80, and it running warmer was normal.
Depends on whether it's in a 1500 or a 2500.The 1500's run the ZF at 180+,while the ZF's in the 2500's run right around 160/165.Back road cruising at 50 mph,the ZF in my wifes 6.4 Challenger stays right around 155/160,and it's a 1320 Challenger with a factory high stall torque convertor
 
Top