The filter swaps, anything special that I need to know on it? Going to be doing this in the near future, maybe next week since I am off. Plan to swap the pan for a Dorman pan with a drain plug for future servicing .

 

The flat sump filter can be flushed both ways with a garden hose and reused. If you do replace it, make sure rubber o-ring on the neck comes out and the new one goes in. Don't double them up. I believe the manual says the o-ring should be inserted first. I've always put in on the neck with a little lube on it. If you screw that part up, it sucks air and damage begins. For the canister filter, make sure it's Mopar cause those have the anti-drainback valve that the aftermarkets don't. Prime the filter before installing.

 

Followup question... Just ordered the OEM filter and drain pan with plug, did not occur to me to check to see if there is a drain plug on the existing pan. The assumption is that there isnt.

Is there an OEM drain plug on the 45rfe pan?

 

No, but you can buy aftermarket pans with them. I drilled a hole and installed my own, as I demonstrated earlier in the thread.

 

Roger that, thanks... I did not see where you mentioned you added the drain. The new pan is $35 at rock auto and will be here next week along with the OEM filter + new radiator for the Ram. I am off next week but have 3 trail work parties to go to, gonna try and squeeze the trans service in.

Been keeping an eye out for another controller to use for HPT download testing, nearest one is 110 mi away. Still want to get that done but dont want to risk the backup ECU that I have to keep the truck running.