Transmission service.

[214silver1500]

115,000 miles on my 2014 5.7L. Is it too late to change out the transmission fluid and filter or do I go ahead and do it. If you have similar miles and it has never been done what did or what do you plan on doing?

 

[CanuckRam1313]

115,000 miles on my 2014 5.7L. Is it too late to change out the transmission fluid and filter or do I go ahead and do it. If you have similar miles and it has never been done what did or what do you plan on doing?

Great time to do it now!
Your transmission will thank you for it, and you'll immediately feel the improvement on shifts and smoothness while out and about.

Use either OEM fluid or Valvoline MaxLife only.

Highly recommend either the OEM trans filter or go big and opt for the PPE upgrade.

If you're doing it yourself, ensure that you follow the "green sheet" instructions to a "T"!!
Very important as fluid level accuracy is paramount for our transmissions.

Also a great time now to consider the @caulk04 transmission cooler bypass upgrade to drop those trans temps by up to 30 deg/c and drop the engine temps 3 to 5 deg/c as well.

 

[RamDiver]

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8hp70 heater bypass

Starting this thread to consolidate some information that we've been discussing (https://www.ramforum.com/threads/revmax-8-speed-thermostat-bypass.171776/unread) on the topic of keeping the 8hp70 cooler than stock. Here you'll see the thermostat assembly broken down into its individual...

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.

 

[Bmags]

I did mine last week, 121k on the truck. Put on a PPE pan and filled with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. Plan to have 60k intervals in the future, just couldn't get around to doing it sooner.

Not a bad job, I know everyone says the pan will fit without messing with the exhaust, but I had a heckuva time getting the old (OEM) one out (not enough clearance between the exhaust pipe and the pan). The new PPE pan would straight up not fit. I ended up grinding down some of the heat fins with my angle grinder and then it was fine.

EVEYRONE else seems to not have an issue, but that wasn't the case for me. Either way, even with monkeying around I was still in and out in 2 hours.

As a note, I didn't really follow the green sheet. I parked the vehicle level (as level as it is in the garage), removed the old pan, put on the new pan and snugged it up, filled with fluid until I ran out, had the wife start the truck up and cycle through the gears while I kept pumping, then stopped once I started to run out of the fill hole. Waited until the temp was around 100 degrees and the oil was dripping out and called it good. Make sure to keep the truck running the whole time until you put the fill plug back in, otherwise the fluid will pour out of the fill hole!

Did all of this with the vehicle on the ground, never jacked it up, never had the wheels spin, etc. To me unless you were actually having serviced the transmission these circuits would not lose fluid. As a test on the wife's Jeep, I changed it, let her drive it a day then checked the fluid level the next morning (idling in park) and it just dripped out of the fill plug. On my truck I haven't even bothered to re-check, I'm sure it's fine.

I wouldn't get too worried about it, I have some friends that are Dodge/Ram techs and if they don't fuss there is no reason for me to.

 

[Wild one]

115,000 miles on my 2014 5.7L. Is it too late to change out the transmission fluid and filter or do I go ahead and do it. If you have similar miles and it has never been done what did or what do you plan on doing?

You need the rear tires in the air roughly 9" to level the transmission,and to be able to let the truck shift into 2nd.The transmission needs to shift into 2nd with the tires rotating to fill the clutch circuits.
It's important to get the transmission level,if you don't you won't get the proper amount of fluid back into it,and the 8 speed seems to be sensitive to fluid level.
Follow steps 5 through 14 to a "T" don't try any shortcuts.
Start with a cold transmission,as the ideal checking temp is between 100F and 105F,the 122F temp is the max checking temp,not the ideal temp.
I usually drain the transmission when it's hot,then let it drain overnight,and start the new pan replacement and fill the next morning when the transmission is cold.
Make sure you break the fill plug loose before you start draining it,just to make sure you can get it out.
A few wet rags draped over the exhaust pipe or a long sleeved set of welding gloves keeps the cursing to a mininium.
I use a modified 1 gallon garden sprayer to pump the fluid back into the transmission.
If you're replacing the pan with a factory pan,have 7 litres/quarts of fluid on hand,if you're replacing the pan with the PPE pan,there's 2 differant sized PPE pans,ones a quart more fluid,the others 2 quarts more fluid,so you'll have to keep that in mind when you're buying fluid.
Use either the unicorn Mopar 8/9 speed fluid or Maxlife,other fluids like Redline and Amsoil seem to have issues with transmission slip if used.

1 quart larger

2013-2025 RAM/Dodge/Jeep/BMW/Toyota Supra ZF 8-Speed Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Transmission Pan

ZF Cast Aluminum Deep Transmission Pan, 8-Speed - 2013-2025 RAM/Dodge/Jeep/BMW/A90 Supra, permanent replacement pan, Holds 1.0 extra quarts, external cooling fins, optimal heat dissipation.

ppepower.com

2 quarts larger

2013-2025 RAM/Dodge/Jeep/BMW ZF 8-Speed Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Deep Transmission Pan

ZF Cast Aluminum Deep Transmission Pan 8-Speed, 13-25 RAM/Dodge/Jeep/BMW, The PPE ZF 8-Speed Pan regulates the transmission heat and keeps the transmission fluid viscosity in a desirable range

ppepower.com

 

[Bmags]

For what it's worth, all the Dodge/Ram techs do not level the transmission. They level the vehicle on their lift to perform the service. I called 5 dealerships, all gave me the same response. I understand ZF has their document, but I measured the amount of fluid that came out and I put in the same amount with the vehicle level when it started to drip out (technically a quart more due to the PPE pan, but in general the same amount). This was also true when doing the wife's Grand Cherokee last month.

At the end of the day you can make your own call, just my experience.

Also, keep in mind with the links Wild One posted, the filters for each pan are different. So if you plan to order a spare filter at the same time check that it matches the one needed for your pan. I went with the 1qt extra pan for my truck and the wife's jeep.

 

[Wild one]

For what it's worth, all the Dodge/Ram techs do not level the transmission. They level the vehicle on their lift to perform the service. I called 5 dealerships, all gave me the same response. I understand ZF has their document, but I measured the amount of fluid that came out and I put in the same amount with the vehicle level when it started to drip out (technically a quart more due to the PPE pan, but in general the same amount). This was also true when doing the wife's Grand Cherokee last month.

At the end of the day you can make your own call, just my experience.

The majority of dealer instructions are generic instructions,more suited to the cars,as the transmissions in the cars and pretty well every other application that use the 8HP70 transmission,have the transmission sitting virtually level in the chassis,so doing them on a lift,with the rear tires only lifted an inch or 2 off the lift works okay for those applications.The Ram trucks are a total oddball from pretty well every other application in the fact,the transmission is pointed at a fairly steep downhill angle in comparision to the cars,and you won't get the proper amount of fluid back into it with-out leveling the transmission.
You might get lucky doing it with-out levelling the transmission,until you hook a load to the back bumper and start putting the transmission to work,and then it'll have issues,when it it downshifts and you hit a long upgrade,with the engine running at 4,000+ rpm for awhile,and the pump inside the transmission basically starts to pump the pan dry.The PPE pan does have a little more capacity to offset the pump sucking it dry,but a stock pan not so much,so in your case you might have lady luck on your side due to the fact you went with the deeper PPE pan,but i wouldn't reconmend following your advice
There's a reason ZF specifically highlights the paragraph that says to level the transmission,and seeing as how they designed the transmission,and probably didn't consult your dealer techs when they designed the transmission and wrote the instructions that are specific to the trucks,i think i'll believe them,over your dealer techs

 

[214silver1500]

I’m going to have my mechanic do it so no worries there. Picking up the Mopar oem pan and Mopar 8/9 ATF fluid.

Amazon.com: Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter : Automotive

Buy Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter: Transmission Filters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07V46QTWM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A17BZOLZKLWVN9&psc=1

 

[Wild one]

I’m going to have my mechanic do it so no worries there. Picking up the Mopar oem pan and Mopar 8/9 ATF fluid.

Amazon.com: Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter : Automotive

Buy Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter: Transmission Filters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07V46QTWM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A17BZOLZKLWVN9&psc=1

Make sure you take the Green sheet instructions to your guy,and tell him you want the transmission leveled when he does the refill procedure.
Most instructions are wrote as generic instructions where the transmission basically sits level in the chassis,the Rams are the oddball with the way they angle the transmission down.
The Green sheet instructions are the instructions that come with a brand new "Truck" specific 8 speed when bought through your local dealer,and are specific to the trucks,so make sure he follows them.

 

[214silver1500]

Make sure you take the Green sheet instructions to your guy,and tell him you want the transmission leveled when he does the refill procedure.
Most instructions are wrote as generic instructions where the transmission basically sits level in the chassis,the Rams are the oddball with the way they angle the transmission down.
The Green sheet instructions are the instructions that come with a brand new "Truck" specific 8 speed when bought through your local dealer,and are specific to the trucks,so make sure he follows them.

Going to print them out and take them with me.

 

[Wild one]

Going to print them out and take them with me.

These might be easier to read.

 

[Bmags]

The majority of dealer instructions are generic instructions,more suited to the cars,as the transmissions in the cars and pretty well every other application that use the 8HP70 transmission,have the transmission sitting virtually level in the chassis,so doing them on a lift,with the rear tires only lifted an inch or 2 off the lift works okay for those applications.The Ram trucks are a total oddball from pretty well every other application in the fact,the transmission is pointed at a fairly steep downhill angle in comparision to the cars,and you won't get the proper amount of fluid back into it with-out leveling the transmission.
You might get lucky doing it with-out levelling the transmission,until you hook a load to the back bumper and start putting the transmission to work,and then it'll have issues,when it it downshifts and you hit a long upgrade,with the engine running at 4,000+ rpm for awhile,and the pump inside the transmission basically starts to pump the pan dry.The PPE pan does have a little more capacity to offset the pump sucking it dry,but a stock pan not so much,so in your case you might have lady luck on your side due to the fact you went with the deeper PPE pan,but i wouldn't reconmend following your advice
There's a reason ZF specifically highlights the paragraph that says to level the transmission,and seeing as how they designed the transmission,and probably didn't consult your dealer techs when they designed the transmission and wrote the instructions that are specific to the trucks,i think i'll believe them,over your dealer techs

If you think our trucks are bad, the Grand Cherokee is far worse haha. I stopped after jacking up the back 12" and still didn't have it level (not even close). That's when I called around because there is no way that's how it's done in a shop. I confirmed they will only ever jack it up level based on the frame rails and let the wheels dangle.

Again, to each there own. For what it's worth I'm not worried

And like I said, I confirmed I put in the same amount of fluid when I re-filled it compared to the amount that came out. It was actually about 1.5 quarts more (figure 1qt extra for the pan, and 0.5qt for filling the filter... So as far as I know if you level the transmission you would be filling it with more fluid than from the factory.

 

[Wild one]

If you think our trucks are bad, the Grand Cherokee is far worse haha. I stopped after jacking up the back 12" and still didn't have it level (not even close). That's when I called around because there is no way that's how it's done in a shop. I confirmed they will only ever jack it up level based on the frame rails and let the wheels dangle.

Again, to each there own. For what it's worth I'm not worried

And like I said, I confirmed I put in the same amount of fluid when I re-filled it compared to the amount that came out. It was actually about 1.5 quarts more (figure 1qt extra for the pan, and 0.5qt for filling the filter... So as far as I know if you level the transmission you would be filling it with more fluid than from the factory.

Chrysler is famous for shipping things low on fluid,you might want to consider that factor,lol.
The transmissions are pre-filled when installed,but not the cooler or lines,so once the truck/vehicle is started,it's automatically low on fluid,and they don't recheck the level,and very few dealers check transmission fluid level if they even do a presale inspection,which alot dealers don't even do anymore.Even if the cooler is prefilled which it isn't,the lines are not so it'd still be low on fluid.
I'm guessing you never considered that did you.

 

[Bmags]

My thoughts:

If it had enough fluid to run 120k without issues... never got hot, never slipped, etc... then I'd say it's fine to replace with the amount I took out. Saying that it was incorrectly filled from the factory seems like a stretch, as Chrysler would see warranty issues out the waz00.

I'm not going to give it a second thought. I'll let you know when I complete my 180k service next year

 

[Wild one]

My thoughts:

If it had enough fluid to run 120k without issues... never got hot, never slipped, etc... then I'd say it's fine to replace with the amount I took out. Saying that it was incorrectly filled from the factory seems like a stretch, as Chrysler would see warranty issues out the waz00.

I'm not going to give it a second thought. I'll let you know when I complete my 180k service next year

The bigger stretch is somebody gullible enough to believe it's actually properly filled from the factory

 

[Bmags]

Going to print them out and take them with me.

I'd be curious for you to poke your head in during service and see if they jack the back of the vehicle up. You'll walk away happy knowing they are going to follow your sheet when in reality they will just toss it in the garbage as soon as you walk out the door. Whatever floats your boat though.

Be a man, do it yourself and sleep easy at night knowing it was done wrong

 

[214silver1500]

I'd be curious for you to poke your head in during service and see if they jack the back of the vehicle up. You'll walk away happy knowing they are going to follow your sheet when in reality they will just toss it in the garbage as soon as you walk out the door. Whatever floats your boat though.

Be a man, do it yourself and sleep easy at night knowing it was done wrong

Been going to this mechanic for 15 years. Absolutely never done me wrong. I would trust him with this service.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I’m going to have my mechanic do it so no worries there. Picking up the Mopar oem pan and Mopar 8/9 ATF fluid.

Amazon.com: Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter : Automotive

Buy Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter: Transmission Filters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07V46QTWM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A17BZOLZKLWVN9&psc=1

Highly recommend that you DO NOT purchase such critically important parts from Amazon!!

Rock Auto is a trusted source for "not counterfeit" parts!

Amazon for stuff like this is a gamble you don't want to make....
My $0.02 & FWIW.

Or, just go to the dealership.

 

[Bmags]

I

Highly recommend that you DO NOT purchase such critically important parts from Amazon!!

Rock Auto is a trusted source for "not counterfeit" parts!

Amazon for stuff like this is a gamble you don't want to make....
My $0.02 & FWIW.

Or, just go to the dealership.

I'd agree with that comment. I bought a Blaupart's pan for the wife's at first and it leaked right after install. The pan might have been ok, but the aftermarket gasket was trash for sure. Bought OEM for the job with my PPE pans and the OEM gasket is so much better.

 

[214silver1500]

Give me some websites for oem Mopar parts. I’m finding the oem pan on Moparpartsgiant.com.