Transmission flush/new pan recommendation

[jason.yergler]

My 1500 is getting close to 75k miles. I want to get the transmission serviced. I'm thinking of getting a local shop to do a flush. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum aftermarket pans. I have some questions that hopefully you guys can help answer.

1. Is a flush the proper service here?
2. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum pans. Can you recommend a pan? Is the increased fluid capacity really advantageous?
3. I know these require a specific process. Is there a way I can tell if a shop knows what they're doing?

For information, I tow A LOT. I put about 8k miles a month on her currently. I deliver golf carts all over Florida for a couple of local dealerships and sometimes other stuff over long distances (a boat from Boston with this truck and Land Rover frames from Florida to San Francisco and Portland with my previous Ram).

 

[NETim]

Most here would recommend a drain and fill, especially since you’re doing a lot of towing, PPE aluminum pans are highly thought of.

Good thread here

 

[stenerson]

I recommend the deeper PPE pan. Yes, extra capacity is an advantage IMO in keeping temps down and extend change intervals. I would ask the shop if they know how to change the zf fluid on a Ram truck. Ask them to detail how they'd do it to see if they're at least familiar with the correct process. I don't think flushing machines are ideal for this tranny. 2 or even three drain and fills would be ideal if you want to refresh all the fluid like I did.
Sounds like you work your truck hard so this is crucial. Good luck.

 

[Wild one]

My 1500 is getting close to 75k miles. I want to get the transmission serviced. I'm thinking of getting a local shop to do a flush. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum aftermarket pans. I have some questions that hopefully you guys can help answer.

1. Is a flush the proper service here?
2. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum pans. Can you recommend a pan? Is the increased fluid capacity really advantageous?
3. I know these require a specific process. Is there a way I can tell if a shop knows what they're doing?

For information, I tow A LOT. I put about 8k miles a month on her currently. I deliver golf carts all over Florida for a couple of local dealerships and sometimes other stuff over long distances (a boat from Boston with this truck and Land Rover frames from Florida to San Francisco and Portland with my previous Ram).

Take these instructions with you to the transmission shop,they're the ones that come with a new truck specific 8 speed.
Make sure they understand the transmission has to be level,not the truck

 

[Burla]

Is there a way I can tell if a shop knows what they're doing?

Sadly no, because there is no easy way just to check the fluid level when they are done. It is a two video process just to verify the level, which is what brings me to my point, if it is a two video detailed process just to check the fluid level, then why the heck not dyi? Because doing that process is part of setting the level in the first place, but if you want to verify, you need to do it anyhow. There is no info or stats, but at least a couple reports of transmission problems within 10k miles after a service on the 8 speed, why? Did the shop miss the level? How would you know? How could you even win a court case against them if the let the level low?

As far as extra fluid capacity, hell yeah, but that still wouldn't help if you get the fluid level wrong. Google low transmission fluid symptoms and read up. So sad we get an upgraded transmission that most guys accept the 8 speed is, but then the azholes at OEM super heat the fluid and don't include a dip stick. "tis a folly to be wise", either don't ask questions and trust them, or warm up that man card. Either strategy is sound I'm not suggesting one is better then the other, but if you are someone who wants answers to questions figure it pour yourself, plenty of guys and info to help you. If you do let them do it, I would highly suggest verifying the level, take it as a challenge. Listen to the guy at the end, it isn't that lengthy but he is redundant because each step is important.

Part 1/2: Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram 8 speed 8HP70 transmission fluid level check

Please use the following link when ever using Amazon.com. Any purchases you make on Amazon will help support this channel.http://amzn.to/2mALgqSEveryone love...

youtu.be

Part 2/2: Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram 8 speed 8HP70 transmission fluid level check

Please use the following link when ever using Amazon.com. Any purchases you make on Amazon will help support this channel.http://amzn.to/2mALgqSEveryone love...

youtu.be

 

[Wild one]

Sadly no, because there is no easy way just to check the fluid level when they are done. It is a two video process just to verify the level, which is what brings me to my point, if it is a two video detailed process just to check the fluid level, then why the heck not dyi? Because doing that process is part of setting the level in the first place, but if you want to verify, you need to do it anyhow. There is no info or stats, but at least a couple reports of transmission problems within 10k miles after a service on the 8 speed, why? Did the shop miss the level? How would you know? How could you even win a court case against them if the let the level low?

As far as extra fluid capacity, hell yeah, but that still wouldn't help if you get the fluid level wrong. Google low transmission fluid symptoms and read up. So sad we get an upgraded transmission that most guys accept the 8 speed is, but then the azholes at OEM super heat the fluid and don't include a dip stick. "tis a folly to be wise", either don't ask questions and trust them, or warm up that man card. Either strategy is sound I'm not suggesting one is better then the other, but if you are someone who wants answers to questions figure it pour yourself, plenty of guys and info to help you. If you do let them do it, I would highly suggest verifying the level, take it as a challenge. Listen to the guy at the end, it isn't that lengthy but he is redundant because each step is important.

Part 1/2: Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram 8 speed 8HP70 transmission fluid level check

Please use the following link when ever using Amazon.com. Any purchases you make on Amazon will help support this channel.http://amzn.to/2mALgqSEveryone love...

youtu.be

Part 2/2: Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram 8 speed 8HP70 transmission fluid level check

Please use the following link when ever using Amazon.com. Any purchases you make on Amazon will help support this channel.http://amzn.to/2mALgqSEveryone love...

youtu.be

That's BS Mike,i've told you that before.The cooler "Does Not" drain with just a pan drop,i wish you'd quit posting that BS video.If you follow the Green sheet to a "T" and "Level" the transmission,not the truck,there is no need to recheck the fluid level after you're done,you'll be well with-in the fill spec. Not once have i ever had to add more fluid if i've done it right the first time around.The thermostat doesn't completely shut off flow to the cooler,it has a built in leak to miniumize thermal shock to the transmission when it does open.

 

[Burla]

That's the first time you said that Rick to me anyhow.

And no need to recheck yes, IF YOU DID IT. If a shop does it, don't recheck is a choice.

 

[DILLIGAF]

PPE
Maxlife

 

[jason.yergler]

I don't think flushing machines are ideal for this tranny. 2 or even three drain and fills would be ideal if you want to refresh all the fluid like I did.

That's what I'm wondering. I know tranny flushes are "controversial" in general. Is a drain and fill with the new pan better than a flush or should I do the flush?

 

[jason.yergler]

It is a two video process just to verify the level, which is what brings me to my point, if it is a two video detailed process just to check the fluid level, then why the heck not dyi?

As far as extra fluid capacity, hell yeah, but that still wouldn't help if you get the fluid level wrong. Google low transmission fluid symptoms and read up. So sad we get an upgraded transmission that most guys accept the 8 speed is, but then the azholes at OEM super heat the fluid and don't include a dip stick. "tis a folly to be wise", either don't ask questions and trust them, or warm up that man card. Either strategy is sound I'm not suggesting one is better then the other, but if you are someone who wants answers to questions figure it pour yourself, plenty of guys and info to help you. If you do let them do it, I would highly suggest verifying the level, take it as a challenge. Listen to the guy at the end, it isn't that lengthy but he is redundant because each step is important.

I do a lot myself, but somehow, transmission work intimidates me. I might just try it myself.

 

[stenerson]

That's what I'm wondering. I know tranny flushes are "controversial" in general. Is a drain and fill with the new pan better than a flush or should I do the flush?

I'm not sure if flushes are done with the zf8 trannys. On the previous 6 speed rams I did a passive flush myself by filling through dipstick hole and draining at the same time via a cooler return line.

 

[Buddy]

I know I have heard the folks at Next Gen Drivetrain say 'not' to flush any of these new transmissions (all brands). They say drain, change filter, refill (same amount you took out). Exactly how the folks on this forum say to do it.

 

[62Blazer]

That's what I'm wondering. I know tranny flushes are "controversial" in general. Is a drain and fill with the new pan better than a flush or should I do the flush?

Yep, you can start a big debate on trans flushes. In my opinion there are no issues if you flushed the trans, and any "issues" that people bring up are not true or simply don't make any sense. All a flush is doing is circulating fresh fluid through the system and pushing out the old stuff. This is done at a low pressure, which is probably lower pressure than what the trans operates at.

 

[Sherman Bird]

My 1500 is getting close to 75k miles. I want to get the transmission serviced. I'm thinking of getting a local shop to do a flush. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum aftermarket pans. I have some questions that hopefully you guys can help answer.

1. Is a flush the proper service here?
2. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum pans. Can you recommend a pan? Is the increased fluid capacity really advantageous?
3. I know these require a specific process. Is there a way I can tell if a shop knows what they're doing?

For information, I tow A LOT. I put about 8k miles a month on her currently. I deliver golf carts all over Florida for a couple of local dealerships and sometimes other stuff over long distances (a boat from Boston with this truck and Land Rover frames from Florida to San Francisco and Portland with my previous Ram).

The only things I flush are commodes and radiators.

 

[deektc1]

I believe Banks has what you need.

 

[LogHomeBuilderGuy]

My 1500 is getting close to 75k miles. I want to get the transmission serviced. I'm thinking of getting a local shop to do a flush. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum aftermarket pans. I have some questions that hopefully you guys can help answer.

1. Is a flush the proper service here?
2. Since the pan has to be replaced, I'm thinking of one of the cast aluminum pans. Can you recommend a pan? Is the increased fluid capacity really advantageous?
3. I know these require a specific process. Is there a way I can tell if a shop knows what they're doing?

For information, I tow A LOT. I put about 8k miles a month on her currently. I deliver golf carts all over Florida for a couple of local dealerships and sometimes other stuff over long distances (a boat from Boston with this truck and Land Rover frames from Florida to San Francisco and Portland with my previous Ram).

B&M Aluminim Pan adds 4 qts plus replaceable filter.

 

[razor1]

If you flush is it a back flush? You need to clean the filter with a back flush I guess, but doesn't that push the fluid back through the valve body along with anything that was caught in the filter back into the valve body?

 

[Bj Binette]

The PPE are hard to get right now because they are back ordered. I ordered mine in December and it's finally coming in this week. I've been told they are still on back order.

 

[Wild one]

The PPE are hard to get right now because they are back ordered. I ordered mine in December and it's finally coming in this week. I've been told they are still on back order.

Did you go through these guys,they're the cheapest place in Canada to get the PPE pan.
Looks like they still have the pans in stock.

2013-2025 RAM/Dodge/Jeep/BMW ZF 8-Speed Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Transmission Pan �� Deep - Raw - Pacific Performance Engineering - 228053000

Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Transmission Pan - DeepExcessive heat kills transmission life. As temperature rises, transmission fluid viscosity decreases, weakening the lubricating film that protects gears and bearings. This could cause premature wear and potential failure.Cast from high-grade...

www.canadiandieselonline.ca

 

[Wild one]

B&M Aluminim Pan adds 4 qts plus replaceable filter.

But it uses a leak prone cork gasket instead of an O-ring gasket like the factory pan and the PPE pan use.It'd be a really good pan except for the Fred Flintstone style cork gasket