Ram EcoDiesel 70K miles transmission service and findings: ZF 8-speed

Decided to do the transmission service on my " lifetime sealed transmission" and have provided findings for all to see:
Do the service at your own risk or have it done by your dealer or mechanic. Here's the process that I followed:
*Drain fluid
*Remove pan
*Add 1 qt Lucas trans cond to new pan
*Lubricate filter o-ring on pan
*Install pan
*add ~2-3 quarts trans atf fluid until leaks out the filler plug.
*install plug mostly tight with Allen wrench left on nut ready to remove.
*set e-brake
*start engine and quickly bring up transmission temp on dash HUD or OBD monitor
*put car in forward for 5 sec
*put car in reverse 5 sec
*put car in park
*immediately jump out of car, remove the fill bolt and start filling until pouring out probably another 2 to 3 quarts.
have someone in the car calling out the trans temp, and at 125 degrees stop and immediately close plug. Do not turn off car until plug is on. For me the car went from 85 to 125 in about 2-3 min
The fill is complete.
Fluid I used for Trans: ZF 8spd
Amsoil (ML-12108 SPEC) 4Qts
+Lucas Atf conditioner 1Qt
Filter/Pan:Mopar 6822 5344AA, Auto Trans Filter www.amazon.com...

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

I love this transmission. I tow commercially with my ED taking travel trailers from Mfgrs to dealerships. Truck runs all day everyday like a semi. 640,000 miles zero problems with this transmission. I change fluid every 100k so 6 times now. 3 times I changed the filter. I use Valvoline Maxlife. I’ve done 15,800 pounds CVW over 6 percent grades. Truck with tune makes 465 TQ. Still shifts perfectly.

[@rjt1789]

Vern Lochtefeld vern diesel from ram forum? Whats up man, glad to hear your truck is holding up well, its an inspiration for the rest of us half ton owners 👍🏻

[@kenik2023]

Where can I find Amsoil? I'm lazy I want long lasting fluid🤣

[@ureasmith3049]

Good to know thanks. If it last you that long then for my gentle commute driving changing every 100k it will outlast me. 🤣

[@tovan6964]

Great! Have you always be running with Valvoline maxlife after first oem pan drop? You said 100000 miles interval change it's that correct? Also it means that the ED is reliable even at that mileage, have you encounter any problems so far with the engine? Thanks.

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

Tovan69 Yeah I used another fluid first two changes then switched to Maxlife. They can hold up with a good aftermarket tune & EGR cooler delete or now new replacement of EGR cooler. Well plus proper fluid & filter changes including the Mopar combo fuel/water separator fuel filter. Yes mine pushed a head gasket at 371k probably due to low coolant from leaking EGR cooler. Truck has 677k today and still no trans issues towing commercially.

[@makerofmanythings8447]

Those ZF transmissions are the absolute best transmissions.. Not kidding.

[@swn69]

That fine metal "dust" you found on the magnets are normal, and why they put the magnets in there. As long as you found no large particles, your transmission wore in correctly, and dark fluid isn't necessarily bad. If it smells bad enough that you can't take a good whiff of it, then it's bad.

[@Italianborn]

Shawn it is darker but the brand new one isn’t clear like he said..it is light green, so from there to brown isn’t bad at all

[@MrOnemanop]

Great video. Lots of specific info. I think you're in good shape for another 70,000 miles, certainly better off than if you left it. Thanks for posting.

[@ureasmith3049]

the oem zf8 fluid is a dark green color, not clear.

[@Gmullinax]

Thanks for the video. It helped me a lot. Also I really liked the way you wrote down your procedure so I didn't have to watch the video 12 times and take notes like some other channels. I decided to use the Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic ATF in mine. It took right at 5 quarts (spilling a little) with the aftermarket ATP B-453 pan/filter. I'm at 69,000 miles. I should have done this sooner but I was busy. I'll do it again at maybe 110-120K.

[@Gmullinax]

Also, my fluid and crud on the magnets looked nearly identical to yours.

[@peteschoeny5114]

The filter and magnets probably looked like that after 25k miles, it doesn’t continually gets worse at the same rate. Good info though 👍

[@devontucker1572]

The current fluid for the 8HP transmissions is green when new. Hope that helps.

[@robertphelan9654]

Watch several videos on the ZF 8-speed transmission and how do you change the filter and oil or transmission fluid. Everyone does a great job of describing how to do this with the exception of one thing. How much fluid did they drain out of the transmission. This would help with the rest of us wanting to put the correct amount of transmission fluid back into the vehicle. If you drain out for courts that it's pretty obvious that you're going to put back in 4 quarts. So one would think that you would have measured exactly how much you pulled out so you know exactly how much to put back in.

[@damaliamarsi2006]

What measure is courts, not familiar with that?

[@rjt1789]

Damalia Marsi basketball court, tennis court, badminton court, cmon man get with it

[@ureasmith3049]

You don't have to worry about exact amount. Follow directions getting tranny to correct temp then fill till it dribbles out the fill hole.

[@formerice]

Just did mine at 100,000 miles. Looked pretty good, actually. Did not use Lucas or Amsoil, just the Mopar fluid.

[@neatnick7979]

One thing I definitely recommend if you are ever towing is remember to use the tow/haul mode switch on center console (assuming you have one). It makes the trans shift quicker and firmer to prevent excessive wear on the trans when towing

[@spence5627]

Also locks out the over drive gears right?

[@ShortyzProductionz]

@@spence5627 no, it just changes the shift pattern of the trans

[@NESig]

@@spence5627 My '14 won't go into 8th gear in tow/haul. Also, tow/haul mode won't allow the engine to do the "MDS" 4 cylinder thing.

[@evilgti2000]

Thanks for the video! Any update on how the transmission is doing with the Amsoil Signature? Thanks again.

[@joelfeinberg3766]

Just a comment about German engineering, it may just be the best in the world. To become a mechanic in Germany I believe it takes eight years of school, the same amount of time as a medical doctor. My first bike was a 65 BMWr69us, (I was a young pup of 17)I bought used from a dealer who said the mileage was 17,000 about a 6 months later I was on a road trip and Happen to be in Tennessee when the value burned. I went straight to a BMW dealer to have it repaired. The tech asked me how many miles were on the motor, I said 17K. He replied try 117,000 based on how he viewed the rest of the motor. He repaired it and I went on my way. When I got home to New York I decided I was going to port and polish the heads, under the guidance of an expert mechanic who had gone to school at BMW. To both our surprise it had been ported and polished from the factory. The only other issue I ever had with the bike was harmonic balancer mounted on the front of the crankshaft with a rubber washer between the crank and the balance wheel, the rubber wears out and the bike is the farthest distance from being balanced. I called Butler & Smith the importer for BMW in the '60s-'70s and spoke to a tech, who flat told me it was a wet dream of some idiot engineer and to just take it off and throw it away. I did half of that I took it off and it road just fine no vibration. I did, however, keep it, in case the next owner wanted it. The other example of fine craftsmanship all the welds were perfect dimes, these were hand welded no robotics involved. My last comment I sold the bike to by a 65 Triumph 650 Bonneville ( which had only a few things going for it, it's speed and handling for that period) The Lucas electrics were garbage, you could expect to rebuild the top end at 25k-30k, the BMW well over a 100k To prove my point a restored BMWr69us sells know for about 25k a restored Bonnie 8-9k and there are probably less restorable Bonnies than r69us's. I ride a BMW 2012 R1200GS and it will proabley last 200K atleast.

[@backroadseeker08]

Good video. Curious to see what a fluid analysis would have revealed on the old fluid.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Thanks for the video which sort of gives an insight Matilda vehicles which have the lifetime transmission fluid. I've run Toyota and Lexus vehicles on my life which also calls for lifetime transmission fluid. I had a Toyota Sienna with 330000 miles on it without ever changing the transmission fluid. Then one day like an idiot I decided to change it. I go no more than 5000 miles down the road and the transmission starts to slip. My point is on extreme high mileage transmission don't change the fluid! My current vehicle 2009 Lexus RX 350 is approaching 250k miles without the transmission being changed. I'm going to leave it like that and see what happens. Again, thanks for the video I wishing you the best ride.

[@johnhead9856]

How is the service holding up with the Amsoil? What is your new mileage?

[@toordog1753]

That's pretty normal, the initial build of the transmission will have about 15 to 20 miles of wearing to settle the mesh in, after that the shavings generally fall they will lower it enough to last about 20 to 30 years but a lot less when you draw heavy loads for work, such as a full bed of tools. They expect this, and add the magnets to handle the shavings. This kind of break in works better than pre fab meshing, hence why they add magnets. Once the seal is broken, the vacuum is gone and then you will have issues.

[@NESig]

The official ZF procedure calls for the transmission body to be level, which usually means jacking the the rear end of the truck up, rear wheels about 8-9" off the ground.

[@genepierson1728]

Thanks for sharing. What about the fluid in the differential? Did you drain it again to get that old fluid out too?

[@Chromedome053]

I work on tundras and we never remove the pans for service. We’ve had several ambitious DIY customers try, then they snap the pan bolts trying to take them off. We use a fluid called WS (world standard) lifetime synthetic. Can’t tell you how many transmissions run up to 200k plus with out issues. I own a Ram I’ll probably end up spending the money I saved from buying a Tundra on repairs for the Ram but if you don’t beat on things they tend to last. Plenty of hard working slow driving farm trucks that never had trans fluids changed at all.

[@Noah-ud6fj]

You should get an after market oil pan that has an changeable oil filter they make some that you don’t half to take the whole pan off and half to buy a new one, you can just change the filter

[@craigstreit9478]

I've seen the after market pans that have a changeable filter, but you still have to remove the pan to change said filter. Do you know of one that you can just change the filter without removing the pan? If so, please share.

[@neatnick7979]

Actually the Amsoil ATF used is correct. Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF is a full synthetic oil made by Shell and is also marketed as ZF Lifeguard 8. The industry spec for this oil is Shell “M-L12108 which is the spec for the amsoil signature ATF, and is a higher-quality fluid. The Lifeguard is overpriced

[@joeyork9891]

Neatnick7 yup I'm looking into doing mine with amsoil. I drained the trans oil before at 20k lost about 4 quart replaced pain in the was

[@deadfreightwest5956]

Excellent video. I've decided to replace my fuel filter every oll change, which by some weird coincidence, lands on or about the anniversary of my truck's purchase. One year, or 10K miles. I don't like the transmission caveat. At 40K I will do oil, oil filter, and transmission. I see you, too, use Amsoil. Shh! Nuff said!

[@fun2drive107]

Good video. I am under the Maxcare service contract so I will continue to use ZF8. I have over 20 years of experience with ZF trans as a user and have always drained and refilled at 45-50K miles. ZF recommends for this transmission drain and fill at 70K miles which is what I am doing after putting some in a while back at 50K miles but that was not a drain and fill just a check of the status which was fine. I am not going to experiment with other brands and will stick with ZF8 even after my service contract is out and if I still have it at 150K miles will change the pan out at that time. It is a great transmission and I am driving the Jeep not the Ram but I am doing the trans, the fuel filters and oil tomorrow....

[@slickruler2336]

Normal wear dark fluid is fine just means it's doing its job clutches and metals break in causing the fluid to get dark and the fine metal is normal that's the point of the magnets. I wouldn't worry unless you are having shifting problems or slippage.

[@neatnick7979]

slick ruler not so sure I'd recommend waiting for that

[@mic982]

Quite surprised the Dodge people do not specify a filter change at 75K as the manufacturer did. i mean, when was the last time a dealership ever waived a very lucrative money-making procedure? Especially after seeing this video. I think I will perform a transmission service soon (71,300 now).

[@coldnnh6983]

Lifetime, hell no, I changed my 06 Cummins every 30,000, at 140,000 it was still perfect, I use my trucks for work with constant load, change early, not to late

[@patterguitsit7124]

Definitely important to do it at least once after the truck is fully broken in.

[@straightopoint]

Dealer cost to change the transmission fluid is around $600.00. $225.00 rear axle fluid change, 2 wheel drive. Then $600.00 for 16 spark plugs. Pretty expensive service. But, much less than replacing either component. It cost to play.

[@srt4cab3]

Where did you get the fill up procedure from? I've mostly done as described, but technically it's 122 degrees not 125 degrees Fahrenheit according to the sticker on the pan. Obviously not the biggest difference but just saying. Also I think you have to drive it in 2nd gear as well but I could be wrong. So far after I have dropped the pan and refilled it I only got about 4 quarts in but I guess I'm going to have to double-check it tomorrow maybe I'm able to get another quart in but it seems to drive okay. I don't know why the dealer sells you nine quarts. It must be for a full rebuild and total capacity but I would be mad if the dealer sells you 9 quarts of fluid on a service and only uses 5 if they did it

[@FreedomWon20]

can you give step by step on how to refill... That is the ONLY part I'm a bit confused with... thank you

[@JsGarage]

It certainly would hurt to change more often but I would not freak out about that fluid color. Color doesn’t tell all for trans fluid or even engine oil. You are right though 50k would be more favorable for the the trans.

[@thegreatempire3882]

Did you have any issues with the transmission after you put in the correct fluid?

[@zenrider_9622]

Small Shavings like that is normal in transmissions, transfercases and gearboxs. Any chunks or bronze shavings is bad, and any clear burnt clutch smell is also a bad sign. I'm about to change my transmission fluid (105,000 miles, hopefully I didn't wait too long, mainly highway miles and has not been having any problems, still smooth like when I first got it.) There is an aftermarket transmission pan for 130 bucks on Amazon for the 8hp70, 8hp45 etc, has replaceable filters that are like 30 or 40 bucks a filter so you don't have to keep replacing pans.

[@jonh2408]

Great video... but you say the fluid is supposed to be clear which is not correct... if you buy the correct (recommended) 8&9 speed fluid it comes new with a greenish tinge. So you weren't in anywhere near as bad a shape as you thought.

[@lowrider9367]

I definitely can agree with your comment about manufacturers & there recommendations. This is why a can't for the life of me leave oil in my ED for the MAX 10k miles. Yet most other ED owners will leave it in for that long & even longer.

[@pokeyman2003]

Looks like clutch material...looks decent. Still probably a good idea to change it. Thanks for the vid.

[@loufachin9287]

Wow! Great video, thanks. That oil is obviously burnt. And the metal fragmentation are excessive for that mileage. A "No service required over the life of the transmission" claim by Dodge is a marketing statement. Glad I came across your video.

[@dr3m-itzz-done439]

After you’ve changed the oil for 3 years now how is the transmission?! Any problems?

[@WilliamVG]

Could have incorporated a removable filter, instead they make you change the whole pan. Can't wait to hear from Ford buyers with there belt driven Diesel's

[@ncurc9766]

Have you had any issues since the service? I'd be cautious using Lucas additive on this transmission cause the stuff is super thick, did you notice any shifting improvements?

[@neatnick7979]

Used the newer formula trans conditioner. Not as thick. Shifts very well.

[@cam9sec]

Have a question, did you change out all the transmission oil from the converter, Or did you just fill it with the amsoil. Just wanted to know because I'm doing the ppe transmission pan with the amsoil. Please let me know.

[@MarioCastaneda-u9e]

What would happen if you wash the inside of the transmission, where the electronics are, with gasoline

[@mikebur2325]

Only Darwin award winners are lucky enough to have lifetime fluid, the rest of us have to change our fluid.

[@seeaclip]

Would it be acceptable to measure the amount of fluid that you drained and then replace that same amount?

[@neatnick7979]

Rak Sasa Maybe. However if you properly follow the procedure then you would fill the transmission the second time until it overflows from the fill hole and then close it immediately.

[@lotkomara]

Thank you, excellent video, I will not service my transmission before 200K.

[@chuckspani]

that because you will be replacing it at 140k with that mindset.

[@620JK]

Clarity has nothing to do with the integrity of the oil. Oil analysis is the only way to know if any issues

[@srt4cab3]

I had a hundred and twenty eight thousand miles on my HP 70 transmission before I change the fluid, it looked about the same. But I was going off the lifetime service interval but after a hundred thousand I started to get scared.

[@SiccSideKali4Nia209]

I had an old Ram 1500 1997 with original transmission and I never had the transmission oil changed until 160K. Wasn't too bad when I drained but I did add Lucas transmission additive since I trust the brand overall.

[@LBYINCHINA]

How much fluid did you end up using to fill it? 4qt? 5qt?

[@Oheeeoh]

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

[@monteman8613]

The fluid is green brand new not clear...if your using the zf 8-9 speed fluid from mopar or zf

[@racekar80]

Lifetime is not good for any transmission, no matter what the manufacturer says.

[@theamericandreamdave]

The lifetime is the lifetime of the transmission. The lifetime of the transmission maybe 150-200K miles. At that point the transmission owes you nothing.

[@GalenCop9]

The car companies such as dodge want the transmission to go bad after a certain time frame with planned obsolescence and won't include what the manufacturer of the transmission recommends in hopes you will bring it to the dealer for a new transmission. I had a stealer'ship try to tell me that they are "forever" transmissions and drive it until you have a problem with it or it starts making noise. I was like really? If that's the case it's too late moron!! LOL

[@dougpriest9795]

The factory fluid is a very dark green not clear or traditional red.

[@generalrepair8731]

Nick Have been an auto mechanic for 25 years for Mopar Dodge Chevy and Ford do you have a few minutes to talk when you get a chance I can help you with your situation . General repair

[@ureasmith3049]

Changing at 30K totally overkill. You're letting the break-in sludge scare you. That's normal.

[@flyninja2590]

I got about 4 1/2 quarts back in when I did mine

[@Bro.Carlisle2103]

That’s a normal amount of metal particulate to find in a transmission pan

[@lynnsyddall420]

How much was the new oil pan?

[@nonyabusiness7581]

It’s supposed to be green not clear

[@mikeodeki4209]

Very helpful thank you

[@mikebur2325]

thanks for the vid, Burla

[@thetechlibrarian]

Sealed for life I.e until the warranty is up lol.

[@theamericandreamdave]

No. Likely at least 50-100K miles more.

[@ncurc9766]

Hows the trans holding up?

[@dann3410]

Lifetime definitely means warranty period. Mfr considers these trucks to be disposable. Quantity of metal particles very concerning.

[@MoBlueSky]

thank you

[@matthewspaulding620]

So we are coming up on a year from this video. Any failure of the transmission?

[@neatnick7979]

No issues. @94K

[@VinniePepperoni]

As a retired fleet mechanic, I’m in shock at the engineering genius I’m seeing on this new car and truck stuff, Omg you gotta buy a pan cuzz the filter is one with the pan What’s next, spin a new engine on the oil filter to change the oil. Or maybe have to pull the engine to change oil. The enemy isn’t crud in the fluid, it’s the crack headed engineers forcing the self service out of the ownership of this garbage all in the name of keeping the planet green and possibly riding the planet of the horrible human- UFB

[@tdgdbs1]

It will get worse as these millennial engineers become upper management.

[@bradhill8990]

Maybe it pays to have new magnets

[@jackflood6113]

Did you notice any shifting difference?

[@robertsimpson7113]

How much did the pan/filter assembly cost??

[@curtcramer3147]

Robert Simpson I think he said about $120.00

[@kenik2023]

I thought it was Traction control off Reverse at 2000 rpm for 5 seconds Neutral at 2000 rpm for 5 seconds Drive at 2000 rpm for 5 seconds... Then let transmission cool to 86/122... Top off... This seems more simplified.

[@Chris-wk7xq]

mopar fluid is not clear it is green from the factory..

[@m2useinu]

Don't change your engine oil every 10,000 mi like the indicator says either

[@formerice]

I plan on changing mine at 100k and sending a sample to Blackstone Labs.

[@jerome1401ify]

Did you get the sample back yet and what did the lab report say?

[@formerice]

@@jerome1401ify It came back showing very good results. Also the 150,000 samp;e came back mint. 100% troublefree truck.

[@Stargate971]

NOT clear fluid new, it's a medium DARK GREEN. Your fluid is not in terrible shape.

[@smokeymcpot992]

My eco diesel is used 6 days a week for hauling heavy loads and had 367,000 miles when I serviced the transmission and the fluid was still almost completely clear. You must abuse your truck....

[@pushpushlambert8079]

Chrysler is actually building these tranny’s licensed under ZF ... hence the service discrepancy. Which is ridiculous. Thanks for the info and visuals as I only have 30K on mine so far .

[@soprano1n1]

after seeing this video about 2 weeks ago I almost had a heart attack. I currently have 90K on the transmission. I have owned the truck since 43K and never serviced the transmission. today, finally having time, I have the new pan and 6 quarts of the AMS Oil Sig series ATF. wish me luck! lol.

[@fckurvtc]

The Luch how did it like the amsoil?

[@jerome1401ify]

Hod did it work out?

[@ulicsc.5103]

Any update ?

[@perceval7790]

can you add the link of the place you bought the Filter..on Amazon it said that the filter is not fitting the ecodiesel? thanks

[@neatnick7979]

MR Bloom sure, added now

[@hemiaddiction]

The fluid for that trans is clear? That's odd

[@McCraezy]

its actually green, but somewhat translucent.

[@mikel.laughridge9480]

that is correct it not clear!! It has kinda of a green cast to it.

[@want2seeall]

It hasn't turned septic yet, but at anytime!!!! Open for biding "when is it going to fail or go septic!?!" Black jack no tap back.

[@isaacforeman1934]

Anyone use the Valvoline multi vehicle Max life ATF? I looked online at their product information sheet, and it says its equivalent to lifeguard 8. And only 27$ for 4 quarts.

[@neatnick7979]

Personally would only use the Amsoil signature ATF. It's engineered to be the best transmission fluid out there. It's a $10,000 transmission so make your own decision. The Valvoline is fine for the transfer case.

[@jonnash2450]

I also heard that that Valvoline is spec. I personally was planning to use champion global atf which is a 10 speed rated full synthetic

[@leehancock2782]

Im about to try the valvoline fluid

[@yodawg3469]

Sean aka mopar eco diesel used oem,amsoil and finally valvoline with zero issues with the max life and his truck had 190k I'm pretty sure and those were towing miles.

[@pittsburghsix288]

Unless you flushed the torque converter, your wasting your time. Your missing about another 6 or so quarts or dirty fluid. It doesn't hurt to change to fluid but the fluid you didn't get out more and likely contaminated the new fluid and filter.

[@ProMountainBiker]

I would change it much sooner

[@crytech706]

Yeah if it's that color you are having a massive transmission problem, I've pulled the plug on trans with 150,000 and it was still clean some metal, but they are filled for life but you do you bud

[@Racerboy535]

It’s upsetting when people don’t know what the fuck they are talking about but still have people watching and believing bad info. The truck and transmission have given you zero problems and you still talk shit.