FBBRam1500
Junior Member
OK...
This is just a conversation so don't argue and or nit-pick.
The 8 speed like the ZF 8HP-70, even though it states that the fluid should last a lifetime.
That is not necessarily true. I worked for several years in a Research lab and we tested lubricants, Oils, Hydraulic fluids both gas and diesel fluids and crude oil.
The Transmission fluid in the ZF is a very specific blend and OEM should always be used due to the material on the friction plates. That being said... the Traney fluid is like many other lubricating fluids and so is the Transmission filter.
ZF has a bulletin out and can be found on the internet it states that the fluid should be changed out with a new filter and not flushed. It states that they recommend 60 to 80k intervals.
As for the cost. I have found the same that dealers want 800 to 1100 dollars.
The Mopar OEM fluid can be purchased at 25 to 38 dollars a quart. The filter that is built into the pan can be purchased for 120 to 200 dollars.
I have put on my Ram 1500 a PPE deep pan with a relocated drain plug. The OEM is sometimes on a RAM, over the crossover Exhaust member.
But you can remove the rear Transmission bolt, jack up the rear of Traney and get a Allen wrench or a special wrench at a local parts store, in there to use to remove and re-install , (Plug). But the PPE and others have the drain plug relocated for easy use.
I argued with my Dealer and showed him the prices,
7 Quarts @ 35 = 245, 200 for the filter in the pan, 445 plus two hours of labor shop fee 250x2 - 500 = 945.00,
and so
the 200 dollar pan is not needed for The PPE, it has a replaceable filter (30) that screws in tightly and works fine.
I provided. So they would not do it for the 945 at my local (25 miles away), but I called around and found a Dealer that would do it for 425 with me providing the parts. Most dealers hourly shop rate is very high. The proper fluid amount adds time to the cost and shop labor. No Dipstick and proper temperature.
They also for 200 bucks checked my programing and updated it and with 138k on it runs and shifts smoothly.
Do not be fooled that lubricants, Oils, Hydraulic Fluids do not get contaminated... they do, and proper maintenance is always assuredly the best to keep the vehicle running at its best.
I also cleaned my Fuel injectors at 130K They were ticking. and now no more noise that sounds like a lifter ticking.
5.7L Hemi with proper maintenance (2014) Big-Horn 4x4,and runs like a champ. I pull a Bass boat regularly. Every Year I get a front end alignment. I have replaced the front CV shafts and front bearings, Replaced U-Joints, rebuilt Rear-end differential, New Radiator and water-pump and belts and hoses and three way valve and a master tune up. I a couple years ago had the Exhaust Manifold bolts replaced both sides and yes there was a tiny tick noise but on both sides. Now Gone. The best thing is It is paid for and runs and looks as good as a new one.
This is just a conversation so don't argue and or nit-pick.
The 8 speed like the ZF 8HP-70, even though it states that the fluid should last a lifetime.
That is not necessarily true. I worked for several years in a Research lab and we tested lubricants, Oils, Hydraulic fluids both gas and diesel fluids and crude oil.
The Transmission fluid in the ZF is a very specific blend and OEM should always be used due to the material on the friction plates. That being said... the Traney fluid is like many other lubricating fluids and so is the Transmission filter.
ZF has a bulletin out and can be found on the internet it states that the fluid should be changed out with a new filter and not flushed. It states that they recommend 60 to 80k intervals.
As for the cost. I have found the same that dealers want 800 to 1100 dollars.
The Mopar OEM fluid can be purchased at 25 to 38 dollars a quart. The filter that is built into the pan can be purchased for 120 to 200 dollars.
I have put on my Ram 1500 a PPE deep pan with a relocated drain plug. The OEM is sometimes on a RAM, over the crossover Exhaust member.
But you can remove the rear Transmission bolt, jack up the rear of Traney and get a Allen wrench or a special wrench at a local parts store, in there to use to remove and re-install , (Plug). But the PPE and others have the drain plug relocated for easy use.
I argued with my Dealer and showed him the prices,
7 Quarts @ 35 = 245, 200 for the filter in the pan, 445 plus two hours of labor shop fee 250x2 - 500 = 945.00,
and so
the 200 dollar pan is not needed for The PPE, it has a replaceable filter (30) that screws in tightly and works fine.
I provided. So they would not do it for the 945 at my local (25 miles away), but I called around and found a Dealer that would do it for 425 with me providing the parts. Most dealers hourly shop rate is very high. The proper fluid amount adds time to the cost and shop labor. No Dipstick and proper temperature.
They also for 200 bucks checked my programing and updated it and with 138k on it runs and shifts smoothly.
Do not be fooled that lubricants, Oils, Hydraulic Fluids do not get contaminated... they do, and proper maintenance is always assuredly the best to keep the vehicle running at its best.
I also cleaned my Fuel injectors at 130K They were ticking. and now no more noise that sounds like a lifter ticking.
5.7L Hemi with proper maintenance (2014) Big-Horn 4x4,and runs like a champ. I pull a Bass boat regularly. Every Year I get a front end alignment. I have replaced the front CV shafts and front bearings, Replaced U-Joints, rebuilt Rear-end differential, New Radiator and water-pump and belts and hoses and three way valve and a master tune up. I a couple years ago had the Exhaust Manifold bolts replaced both sides and yes there was a tiny tick noise but on both sides. Now Gone. The best thing is It is paid for and runs and looks as good as a new one.
Last edited:
