I got an early Christmas present and bought myself a new pan for my transmission. I'm hoping this will help with cooling when I tow in stop/go summer conditions. We'll see...

The questions are:

Any advice? Bone head things to avoid?

How much ATF do I need to get to refill the trans after I drop the pan? How much old fluid am I leaving in there... and should I be worrying about that?

Is there an on-line source for ATF and filter that's cheaper than going to my local dealer?

 

Why the new pan? Is it bigger?

 

I'm guessing that the new pan is going to increase your volume of Tran Fluid, so it would be hard to tell you how much you will need without knowing what you are adding.

I couldn't find Tran Fluid meeting the specs anywhere but the dealer. But, I was happy with my dealers pricing, it didn't seem high to me at all, and since I use 8 quarts of Tran Fluid, I would have noticed if it was too high!

Running my Mag Hytek Double Deep Tran Pan, my temps or normally around 130, and if I really work it, I can get up to 140.

 

It's the PML Pan +2 quarts over stock according to their site.
http://www.dieselperformanceparts.co...&e_unique=9393
I wasn't sure how much the total capacity is and how much of that comes out when you drop the pan.

I can't find filters or fluid on-line. Maybe I'll try calling a few places...
What does this stuff (ATF+4) go for?

btw - towing 10K, summer, stop/go I will hit 220F in 20-30 minutes. Steady highway will drop that to 170-190 range.

 

It will take around 7qts with the DD pan and you need to use ATF plus 3. Also use a filter from a 96' model year. It has the filter-media completly exposed, as to the one for the newer years are covered in black plastic with a small opening that can restrict flow.

John

 

Interesting idea, using a different filter.
Any idea why DC changed the design?

 

Their thought was that all the exposed filter media could get pluged up easier, but with the smaller opening of the plastic covered one ,

Johnnow will plug up the area right in front of the opening and now restrict flow to the other part of the filter media.

 

davelinde,

Add approx 6 quarts and then start her up and let it idle, check the level and top up as required and you'll be fine. Enjoy the pan!!!! They have been real popular for Xmas presents this year!

Mark @ DPPI

 

...one other thing. The instructions say to torque to 12ft-lb and use RTV. I was hoping to re-use the existing gasket. 12 ft-lb seems not a lot to compress a gasket, but I sure don't want to bend the aluminum pan.

I guess I'm answering my own question - torque to spec.... still seems light though.

 

I paid $16.50 a gallon for ATF+4 at the dealership for my '03 47RE. I don't see that as a high price compared to the other non Chrysler approved stuff. I towed down here in the heat of Florida with the last four Dodge Cummins trucks and now my '05 Hemi powered Ram. Our 5th wheel is high profile and weighs 10,040 at the scales empty. I have yet to see any high tranny temps. The new pan should remove all doubts and run cool as can be. Yes, Florida is mostly flat but Alabama and Mississippi aren't. And most often the tranny over heats when you're backing your rig into it's camp spot or back into the yard by the house.