Hello everyone,

I just recently purchased a 2012 LR4 that seems to be on its original transmission fluid at 162,000. I am planning on taking this LR4 out west and on trails so I would like some fresh transmission fluid, diff fluid, TC etc. I am wondering if there are advantages to the metal pan upgrade beyond the better serviceability?

Does the pan significantly improve heat dissipation or durability? I would put the upgraded pan on a lower mileage unit but this may be the last or second to last change so I’m not sure if it’s worth the extra investment.

Thanks!

 

With millions of miles on these vehicles all over the world, and the skid plates under the vehicle, and with the coolant system connected to the transmission… there is no need to substitute the plastic pan with the metal one. Any “heat sink” property would be negligent due to the lack of cooling fins and air flow, anyways.

ZF has been using plastic pans for decades.
“Better” serviceability? Not sure about that either.

 

Metal vs plastic is more about identifying if the transmission oil has been changed.

The aftermarket pan that is metal does not have the filter attached to the plastic plan as the original does.

This makes it a little easier to install but more importantly you can identify if your vehicle has had the transmission oil changed if it has a metal pan.