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'19 + 6.4 Transmission question

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Vapor567

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Has anyone gotten a solid answer on the ZF transmission service? I believe the manual doesn't mention it or states something odd. I called 4 different dealers, 2 say to have it drained and filled at 30 K miles, 1 at 50k miles and one said it doesn't require service? If I understand correctly the filter can't be changed but is a drain and fill useful? I tow a lot with my truck so want to take care of it but I'm a little confused.

Thanks!
 
The filter is built into the pan and the complete pan is replaced when servicing with new fluid. Be aware this is around a $350.00 part alone. I don't have info on the frequency of service but would think around 75,000 miles if towing frequently. The 8 speed takes a very specific fluid as well as the filling and level procedure. This will not be an inexpensive service.
 
If you search around the ZF site they clearly says it is *NOT* a lifetime fluid or filter.
8 years or 80K- 120 km (50K-75K miles give or take) is what they recommend... in this instance, I will go with the recommendation of those who actually built the transmission.

Service doesn't appear terribly complicated and if you take your time, certainly doable at home.

Also, here is a video with ZF talking about their transmission
ZF Transmission
 

Attachments

^^ What this guy said. Especially with many of us towing/hauling I think it is smart to do the changes to ensure we get the miles out of these trucks that we should. I'm hoping to put 150k on mine, this is the third zf I have owned and DD'd and I still love them. Combined I've driven them over 90k miles.
I did the change on my BMW myself in my garage, it was pretty simple and the temperature is only important to make sure the t-stat is open/closed.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
 
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Thank you guys for clarifying. I guess I will go with the 50K mile service and have a private shop do it to save some money.
 
I tow, so will change somewhere between 50-75,000 miles
 
Sorry if it's been posted, anyone have a part number to our filter/pan combo? I don't see the Ram's listed in the odf posted.
 
The tricky part is finding fluid. The Mopar fluid from what I hear is $45 per quart. A technician on the EcoDiesel side of things (we have the 8HP75) said that there are two aftermarket fluids that do meet spec, and one of them is made by Amsoil but it is not the "Signature" series fluid. I can't remember the name. But he said that it's significantly less expensive than the Mopar fluid.
 
WXman said:
The tricky part is finding fluid. The Mopar fluid from what I hear is $45 per quart. A technician on the EcoDiesel side of things (we have the 8HP75) said that there are two aftermarket fluids that do meet spec, and one of them is made by Amsoil but it is not the "Signature" series fluid. I can't remember the name. But he said that it's significantly less expensive than the Mopar fluid.
Click to expand...
Last I checked, AMSOIL recommends both the Signature Series and OE Fuel Efficient(not the multi-vehicle) ATF. Retail is 17.50 a quart online for the signature series. I ran this in my 3 series BMW for over 50k and had absolutely zero issues, of course it doesn't tow or haul around 7k+ lbs of truck either. Seemed to make some shifting smoother but that was long ago now...
You could also purchase the ZF fluid from somewhere, there's sites out there that you would be able to get it from.

Vapor567 said:
Sorry if it's been posted, anyone have a part number to our filter/pan combo? I don't see the Ram's listed in the odf posted.
Click to expand...
68225344AA
Complete kit with everything you need, including the aluminum bolts to install.
Pan, filter and magnets are all one piece.

edited to correct accidental misinformation
 
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jdefoe0424 said:
Last I checked, AMSOIL recommends both the Signature Series and OE Multi-vehicle (not the fuel efficient) ATF. Retail is 16.95 a quart online for the signature series. I ran this in my 3 series BMW for over 50k and had absolutely zero issues, of course it doesn't tow or haul around 7k+ lbs of truck either. Seemed to make some shifting smoother but that was long ago now...
You could also purchase the ZF fluid from somewhere, there's sites out there that you would be able to get it from.


68225344AA
Complete kit with everything you need, including the aluminum bolts to install.
Pan, filter and magnets are all one piece.
Click to expand...

Ok I got further from that Tech who posted that info. He says the only fluids that meet spec are Mopar, ZF Lifeguard 8, and Amsoil OE Fuel Efficient. The other ones have higher viscosity and even though they may work, they are NOT recommended for longevity with these transmissions.

Of those, only the Amsoil OE Fuel Efficient is a full synthetic and that's probably the one I'd pick.
 
WXman said:
Ok I got further from that Tech who posted that info. He says the only fluids that meet spec are Mopar, ZF Lifeguard 8, and Amsoil OE Fuel Efficient. The other ones have higher viscosity and even though they may work, they are NOT recommended for longevity with these transmissions.

Of those, only the Amsoil OE Fuel Efficient is a full synthetic and that's probably the one I'd pick.
Click to expand...
Oops...You're correct..I must have clicked on 2018 by accident. I just went to double check. The Fuel Efficient is what is recommended for the zf 8HP75...You'd think I remember that...
 
jdefoe0424 said:
Oops...You're correct..I must have clicked on 2018 by accident. I just went to double check. The Fuel Efficient is what is recommended for the zf 8HP75...You'd think I remember that...
Click to expand...

So with that pan kit you linked above, and 9 quarts of Amsoil, a guy would be invested in this about $300 bucks. To me that isn't bad for a procedure that only needs to be done every 3-5 years.

The tricky part I guess would be getting the fluid level correct. I did this on a 6R80 Ford transmission which is similar and doesn't have a traditional dipstick. It was a PITA to get the fluid level right. I will need to do some research before attempting this on the 8HP75.
 
WXman said:
So with that pan kit you linked above, and 9 quarts of Amsoil, a guy would be invested in this about $300 bucks. To me that isn't bad for a procedure that only needs to be done every 3-5 years.

The tricky part I guess would be getting the fluid level correct. I did this on a 6R80 Ford transmission which is similar and doesn't have a traditional dipstick. It was a PITA to get the fluid level right. I will need to do some research before attempting this on the 8HP75.
Click to expand...
It's not hard, just gotta make sure the pan is level and temp is correct(something to do with the thermostat open/closed). Then you fill it up until it runs out of the fill plug and stick the plug back in.

I'm sure it's better than paying a shop to do it.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
 
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