Transmission (lack of) maintenance and failures…tip of the iceberg?

[atljar]

30k miles. Just went new OE filter, Redline fluid, and mishimoto thermostat.

I must say, it's smoother on shifts. More than placebo. It's also freezing here, but it will run at thermostat temp instead of creeping past, so that's nice

 

[GUZ]

28K - New OEM Filter, Fluid & Pan. Added the Mishimoto as well. In 52 degree weather its running 30ish degrees cooler now. Should have done this months ago....

 

[FULLTHROTTLERICK]

So we just got our new tranny last night and i'm too scared to touch it to put the MIshi t-stat in there so I'm gunna wait till i get 10-15k on it and then change the fluid and put the T-stat in at the same time. That'll give me peace of mind that i know for sure i'm not losing any fluid. Plus it's cold AF outside so i'm not worried too much about overcooking the oil like i would in summer

 

[Two]

So we just got our new tranny last night and i'm too scared to touch it...

I sure wouldn't want to touch a tranny either.

 

[FULLTHROTTLERICK]

I sure wouldn't want to touch a tranny either.

you guys are f'in hilarious! thanks for the literal laugh out loud

 

[Todd]

I just serviced my trans a month ago with new filter, mopar 8 speed fluid, and the mishimoto thermostat also. Trans never gets over 172 deg now. Had 60k on it when done and there was barely any clutch material in the pan.

 

[ruey220]

I just serviced my trans a month ago with new filter, mopar 8 speed fluid, and the mishimoto thermostat also. Trans never gets over 172 deg now. Had 60k on it when done and there was barely any clutch material in the pan.

60k was the first time you changed the transmission fluid since new?

 

[Todd]

60k was the first time you changed the transmission fluid since new?

Yes, that is what is recommended by ZF.

 

[ruey220]

Yes, that is what is recommended by ZF.

got it, just wondering if i should follow the 25k most people been saying or if 60k is fine.

 

[Todd]

got it, just wondering if i should follow the 25k most people been saying or if 60k is fine.

I've put probably 40k of those miles on it with the DT937hp kit and I tow my 6k lb boat a lot with it. Fluid didn't look to bad or smell burnt.

 

[OnTheReel]

Some transmissions here have not even made it to 60k. Based on the operating temperatures we see stock, and the state of my original ATF after only 25k it’s pretty obvious why.

If you want to run fluid in a similar (or worse) condition for over twice as long, by all means have at it. Not my truck, not my problem. Won’t be Ram’s problem either unless you have an extended warranty.

 

[GUZ]

Some transmissions here have not even made it to 60k. Based on the operating temperatures we see stock, and the state of my original ATF after only 25k it’s pretty obvious why.

If you want to run fluid in a similar (or worse) condition for over twice as long, by all means have at it. Not my truck, not my problem. Won’t be Ram’s problem either unless you have an extended warranty.

In your mind (apologies if you have already stated), how often would you dump and fill, based on having the cooler fluid temps w/Mishimoto or simular? Also, would 25K - 30K routine be good (again given the Mishimoto install) to replace the Trans Pan / Filter? I want to build in a good maintainence routine here.

 

[DirtMcGirt8732]

Changed the filter and replaced the fluid with Amsoil blue top a few days ago at a tick over 30k. It’s lived a hot life with the hot summers here and stop and go traffic. I’ll just say I’m glad I changed it now as the fluid didn’t look great. I was starting to experience some incredibly slow shifts with heavy or WOT. So far the shifts feel better but haven’t had a chance to really get after it yet. Mishimoto thermostat was supposed to be here but was delayed due to weather conditions. I’ll get it on this week and then recheck the fluid level.

DT 937 kit was just delivered and will go on in the next few weeks and really wanted to do this before I stepped up the power. I will say to anyone looking to do this, BE EASY when reinstalling the pan bolts. My dumbass sheared not one, but 2 of them off into the transmission . Thankfully they are soft and were fairly easy to get out but if I didn’t have replacements I would’ve been up shit’s creek.

 

[OnTheReel]

In your mind (apologies if you have already stated), how often would you dump and fill, based on having the cooler fluid temps w/Mishimoto or simular? Also, would 25K - 30K routine be good (again given the Mishimoto install) to replace the Trans Pan / Filter? I want to build in a good maintainence routine here.

Doing the first pan drop and filter replacement was/is definitely the most important given the level of break-in contamination we have seen in the factory fill. I think from there a basic service every 25k, with a pan drop and filter only every other time (so every 50k) is plenty good and is my plan moving forward.

The Mishimoto TBV will definitely reduce oxidation and extend the life of the fluid, but it’s already baked into my service interval decision. Can’t say what I’d do without it because I have run it (or a full bypass) nearly the whole life of the truck, and consider it a must-have.

 

[ruey220]

Some transmissions here have not even made it to 60k. Based on the operating temperatures we see stock, and the state of my original ATF after only 25k it’s pretty obvious why.

If you want to run fluid in a similar (or worse) condition for over twice as long, by all means have at it. Not my truck, not my problem. Won’t be Ram’s problem either unless you have an extended warranty.

i will plan on doing my fluid change and tbv when this comes out so I can do all at once.

aFe POWER 21-24 RAM 1550 TRX Pro Series Transmission Pan Black w/ Mach

This transmission pan has an increased fluid capacity of approximately 2 quarts over stock for better performance over a longer duration. Built-in internal and external fins transfer heat from the fluid to the outside air for maximum cooling. The black powder coat on the pan helps it from the...

www.signatureptw.com

 

[bentramer81]

Great post. Subscribed. Curious if a truck was getting a rebuild what what a new 8speed cost installed roughly?

 

[GUZ]

i will plan on doing my fluid change and tbv when this comes out so I can do all at once.

aFe POWER 21-24 RAM 1550 TRX Pro Series Transmission Pan Black w/ Mach

This transmission pan has an increased fluid capacity of approximately 2 quarts over stock for better performance over a longer duration. Built-in internal and external fins transfer heat from the fluid to the outside air for maximum cooling. The black powder coat on the pan helps it from the...

www.signatureptw.com

I wish I had seen that before I did mine. As long as it fits under the skid plate.....