Upcoming ZF fluid/filter change, couple DIYer questions

[Wild one]

Thank you. Yeah, the OE pan has the drain plug. I need to cut down an allen wrench if I don't have the right hex bit. I can see the tranny getting too hot to fill, especially if I do it on a warm day. Will try to do it in April sometime. Thanks for the temp tip.

Wet rags draped over the exhaust or a long sleeved welding glove helps keep the cursing to a mininium,lol.
Break the fill plug loose before you drain the transmission
If you have a helper to run it through the gears ,it usually helps to keep the transmission temps inline,so it doesn't get to hot,before you get through the procedure.
You'll want 6T jackstands,as most 3T stands aren't tall enough to get the transmission level,plus the bigger stands are usually more stable while the rear tires are in the air,and you have to go through the gears with the rear tires rotating fast enough the transmission shifts into 2nd gear

 

[QwikKota]

Wet rags draped over the exhaust or a long sleeved welding glove helps keep the cursing to a mininium,lol.
Break the fill plug loose before you drain the transmission
If you have a helper to run it through the gears ,it usually helps to keep the transmission temps inline,so it doesn't get to hot,before you get through the procedure.
You'll want 6T jackstands,as most 3T stands aren't tall enough to get the transmission level,plus the bigger stands are usually more stable while the rear tires are in the air,and you have to go through the gears with the rear tires rotating fast enough the transmission shifts into 2nd gear

Good call on the welding gloves. I have a pair or 2. I was under there today and the fill plug is crazy close to the cat. This truck is definitely too heavy for 3 tons stands. I have 2 pairs of Big Red 6 ton stands with the safety pin. Even with my sloped driveway the pan is far from level.

 

[Wild one]

Good call on the welding gloves. I have a pair or 2. I was under there today and the fill plug is crazy close to the cat. This truck is definitely too heavy for 3 tons stands. I have 2 pairs of Big Red 6 ton stands with the safety pin. Even with my sloped driveway the pan is far from level.

If you're on a sloped driveway,make sure you block the front tires solidly,so when you're going through the gears with the rear tires spinning,it won't vibrate itself off the jackstands.Even on my level driveway,i chock the front tires

 

[QwikKota]

If you're on a sloped driveway,make sure you block the front tires solidly,so when you're going through the gears with the rear tires spinning,it won't vibrate itself off the jackstands.Even on my level driveway,i chock the front tires

I always chock as well. I may need to raise the front end up anyway for more clearance.

Got the pan yesterday. Thing is a beast. I figured it would be a lot lighter.

 

[joesstripclub]

Thank you. Yeah, the OE pan has the drain plug. I need to cut down an allen wrench if I don't have the right hex bit. I can see the tranny getting too hot to fill, especially if I do it on a warm day. Will try to do it in April sometime. Thanks for the temp tip.

The cut down allen key comes in clutch for the fluid change. I didnt wear any protective gear and did the fluid change with 0 exhaust burns. Sometimes that stuff makes the work too clunky. I think the only thing you need to do around hot exhaust with the engine running is top off fluid (use a fluid pump to keep your arm clear) and putting the fill plug back in.

 

[QwikKota]

The cut down allen key comes in clutch for the fluid change. I didnt wear any protective gear and did the fluid change with 0 exhaust burns. Sometimes that stuff makes the work too clunky. I think the only thing you need to do around hot exhaust with the engine running is top off fluid (use a fluid pump to keep your arm clear) and putting the fill plug back in.

Thanks for the tips. I don't have an allen bit in the right size so will get the grinder out. I have a neat little 12V fluid pump that works great on ATF. I will flush it with MaxLife first before running the expensive Mopar fluid through it.