Pig

All,

I have a question regarding the 48RE transmission in a 04.5 Ram 2500 CTD that is used only for 5th wheel towing.

I intend to change the transmission fluid every 15,000 miles with Mopar ATF+4 fluid, unless the experts here suggest the necessity of a more frequent service interval.

To simplify the fluid replacement process, I’m considering the purchase of a Mityvac 600 fluid extractor. If I purchase this extractor, I plan to alternate between extracting the transmission fluid from the dipstick tube and doing a conventional pan drop and filter change. For example, at 15,000 miles, I’d extract the transmission fluid from the dipstick tube, and at 30,000, I’d do a pan drain and filter change. Then at 45,000 miles, I would again extract the fluid from the dipstick tube, and at 60,000, I’d do a pan drain and filter change, and continue alternating between the two service methods.

My main concern with “extracting” the transmission fluid through the dipstick tube is whether or not this is actually possible with this transmission. I understand on some transmission units, this service method (extraction) will only yield 1-2 quarts of fluid due to the design of the transmission pan or dipstick tube.

If anyone has practiced this service method on a 48RE transmission, it’d be great if you could give some feedback on your experience.

Thanks.

runamuk

Welcome to DTR,
Please fill in your signature so we may be able to help you better.(see user CP)
It is much easier to get a PML or Magtech Transmission pan with a drain plug and add 2 quarts to the transmission cooling system at the same time! Also get guages to read trans temp if nothing else!

Rick

TexasCTD

Pig, Welcome to DTR!

I agree with Rick that you may want to add an aftermarket transmission pan that will already have a magnatized drain plug, a port for a transmission gauge sensor, and hold additional trans fluid to help it run cooler.

Personally, I use the Mag Hytec which holds 4 quarts of fluid over stock. I am very happy with it. I go ahead drain it and remove it and change the fluid and filter every 15k. It makes it so much easier to remove the pan once the fluid is drained. But if you wanted to just change the filter every 30k, then you could just drain and refill every other time.

I am no mechanic, but I would shy away from "sucking" the fluid up and out from the dip stick tube.

Here is a link if you want to get a MH pan. Other places sell them too but they all seem to be about the same price. Good luck!

http://www.genosgarage.com/CoastalDa...ID=600&CATID=1

Geico266

I think your system is okay, but not very effective. Flushing the transmission, that is forcing the fluid out is a much better wat to go, and I would only do it every 30K miles, and then alternate between dropping the pan & filter and having is flushed.

Hounddog

Flush it every 30k and change filter at 60k.

Pig

Thanks everyone for their replies. I was simply curious.

I talked to a chemist whom I know (Specialty Formulations) about this, and he suggested a 15K drain/fill interval for the automatic transmission fluid, followed by a filter change every 60,000 miles.

He stated that its unnecessary to do a "flush" of the transmission provided that you drain/fill the fluid regularly. Although a drain/fill only removes about 45% (?) of the fluid, it is enough to "refresh" the additive pack and renew the oxidized base oils, according to him.

I may just drain/fill every 20,000 miles and do a filter change and pan pull every 60,000 miles. ATF+4 is a high quality Grp II/III fluid so I don't see how it'd be a problem even under heavy towing if I'm draining and refilling every 20,000 ???

As for putting on an aftermarket transmission pan, I don't feel like spending the cash to do so, not that I can't afford it. It just doesn't seem necessary in my opinion, though I may be wrong, but it'd give one more reason to the dealer for them to give me warranty hassles as I was "modifying" the transmission.

Thanks again.

timcasbolt

A universal drain plug kit is about 5 bucks anywhere. Takes 10 minutes to install. There is a magnet already in the factory pan. There are many brands of ATF that are just as good as +4 without spending the extra money: Pennzoil multi vehicle ATF, Redline C+, Mobil 1, Amsoil and others. I did mine at 30,000 miles and plan to change it every 30,000 by dropping the pan, changing the filter, and refilling with Redline. By the way, the old fluid smelled just like new and showed no sign of age. Could have stayed in there a lot longer, but I feel better knowing that the proper maintenance has been done.

Pig

If I wasn't using Mopar ATF+4, Mobil 1 ATF, with its newest recommendation for ATF+4, would be my choice...

Anyone else try the dipstick extraction method?

J BODY

I use that fluid extractor at work. It makes it alot easier to drop the pan. I purchased a longer plastic hose at the local hardware store and can get nearly 6qts out with that method. Also comes in handy for those occasional "overfills".

runamuk

Pig,

FYI Pml pan was 150.00 delivered and will not void warranty!

Rick

Hounddog

Chemist may be correct about additive package being renewed with some new fliud BUT from the hundereds I handled over 6 years the TOTAL FLUSH was the ONLY time I ever had comments from customers about a NOTICABLE improvement of shift quality and torque convertor lockup.Never on a pan drain and refill.

TexasCTD

Hounddog, who do you recommend to go see to get it flushed? Dealer or tranny shop? Although I am doing a drain, drop, change filter, and refill with MH DD Pan....I may look at doing a flush at some point. Say 60,000 or 75,000 miles or so, and then continue with the drain, drop, change filter,and refill method........until another 60 or 75k. thoughts?

Hounddog

Price them.The dealer will of course have ATF+4.Most independents won't and you'll have to take your own.Dealers here(D.C. to imports) get from $159.95 to $229.95 and all do the same deal.Some send out coupons for it also.