Car Questions

2017 Ram 1500 shoul...
 
Notifications
Clear all

2017 Ram 1500 should I change the Transmission fluid?

  

0
Topic starter

I have a 2017 Ram 1500 4x4 with 5.7L Hemi and a sealed automatic transmission.  I know that Ram doesn't recommend changing the transmission fluid, what is your recommendation?  I have about 69,000 miles on the truck.


@jdobbs876, I also have a 2017 Ram 1500 5.7L. I changed mine at 50,000 miles, the beginning of the service window ZF recommends (they recommend 80 km to 120 km, or 50 k to 75 k miles). I also took the liberty of adding a PPE transmission pan:

https://ppepower.com/products/transmission-pan-heavy-duty-cast-aluminum-8hp70-8hp75?variant=42081877557491

I used the "Life Guard 8" fluid ZF makes for this transmission:

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Guard-Fluid-Liter-S671090312/dp/B077XNQSMG/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B077XNQSMG&psc=1

The PPE pan holds an extra 2 L of fluid, and helps keep it dissipate heat as well. They also make the plastic aftermarket pans with removable filter so you don't have to buy the integrated pan/filter next time. I recommend doing s search on http://www.ramforum.com and read through the various write-ups they have there if you plan on doing it yourself. There are also quite a few YouTube videos of people tackling this service on their own.

It seems formidable at first, but if you do your research, and write down the tools, parts, and steps you'll need, it's not too bad. Also, our Ram trucks have a "gauge summary" on our dash that list the transmission temperature which you will need to pay attention to while you do it. Overall, if you plan to keep the truck for a long time like I do, I recommend doing this service. And you're probably the only one who will be willing to, as many shops won't do it (claiming it's lifetime fill), or they will be wanting your next born child.

Here is the small write-up I made when I did mine:

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/ppe-pan-on-a-2016-5-7-hemi-8hp70.170600/post-2441317

And here are some others:

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/done-a-8-speed-trans-filter-and-fluid-change.172841/
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/zf8-ppe-pan-install-and-d6-changeout-to-maxlife.178917/
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/ppe-pan-on-a-2016-5-7-hemi-8hp70.170600/


@sinkerofboats
Hi. Can you please copy+paste your answer into the "Your Answer" box. Thank you very much.


3 Answers
1

Fluid and filter should have been changed at 40,000 or so miles.  This lifetime fluid claim is crap.


1

I would have it changed, every 40,000 miles as Doc mentioned.  Don’t believe any of this “lifetime” fluid nonsense.


0

Yes and make sure.to never flush the transmission. 


Share: