2nd time changing the pan / fluid, decided to upgrade to the OEM ZF metal pan used on BMW M cars. I tow a travel trailer and temps have previously hit 225f so I want to lower those temps a bit. BMW pan has cooling fins and +1qt capacity. Used to be $250, tariffs have bumped prices up. Cheapest I've found it now is $320. Part number 1102298003


Fluid wise, lots of Ram guys have had good luck with Maxlife, so I gave Valvoline Extended Protection a shot over the Lifeguard 8. Purchaed 3 jugs, used a little over 2. Spec sheet between the two had densities / viscosities close enough together to make me feel comfortable ( compared to many other 8HP compatible fluids). The labeling for this stuff within California doesn't list it as compatible with Lifeguard 8 due to state laws, but the website states it is compatible.



Pan:




Drained the fluid only, this is after 50k miles.



Refilled it without a pan change and drove it for about 15 mins for the new fluid to be cycled past the thermostat and into the oil cooler / lines. Drained again and this is what came out the 2nd time:



There's a seperate filter element that is placed on the transmission first before the pan. Lube the o ring before install. Steel pan bolt tq is 12nm vs the plastic 10nm.






Clearances from the skid plate:




This is the trans temp just driving around town pre metal pan, appx 190-205f. Post install, I've seen temps between 170-185 driving around town / freeway. Towing data to be reported later this year, but so far I'm pleased with the ~20F drop.

 

very nice! I serviced the ZF few months ago, but will definitely order the metal pan on the next service.

 

Very Nice!