Okay cool. I can do that myself easily. So the atf 4 is the best to use for my particular dodge? Any recommendations on brand?

 

That is what your owners manual instructs you to use (ATF +4). Some local walmarts carry the mopar ATF +4 right on the shelfs, others don't. I think Castrol has there spin off too. Amsoil I hear have very good oils. Everyone has their preference, but most of the time it probably comes down to availability. Since I was already at Napa, I picked up the fluid there as well and it just so happens that is what I changed my transfer case with valvoline earlier in the year so I like using the same brand etc. I happen to have my napa reciepts in front of me actually so let me put in the stuff I got.

8qts of "VAL 346" list is 7.60, I paid $5.43/qt brings it to $43.44 for over the amount of fluid you should need. I think I had 2 quarts left over, but I don't mind a couple spares just in case. Rather have too much than to little (thats what she said).

For the filter I got the top of the line Napa had to offer, the "Platinum filter" (insert oooohhh and ahhhh here) The main reason was for the rubber gasket that was included.
1 Filter - "ATP 15937" which lists for 60.54, I paid $33.12

Total bill was $76.56 plus tax so that should give you a rough idea on what to expect mind you I did get a "hook up" on the pricing. You will pay more than that unless you know someone. Anyway look over the filter change in the DIY section on here just to make sure you are comfortable in doing it. It is really straight forward but can really be a mess if you arn't careful.

 

Okay cool thanks man. Much appreciated, ill look into it and make sure its not to difficult, otherwise ill just have my mechanic do it cause he works for cheap. I'm also getting an auxiliary transmission cooler installed so that even when stuff gets clogged in that valve it won't overheat. At least I hope it works that way, I don't know if it uses that same line or not...anybody know for sure? I bought a heavy duty hayden cooler that looks like a radiator.

 

Make sure you check your owner's manual.I bet it doesn't say ATF+4. But, we have been on this subject many times over.

 

enlighten me as to why if he checks his owners manual in his 2000 ram it won't call for ATF+4

 

I think the recommendation for ATF+4 came after 2000.I don't have a 2000 owner"s man. so I don't know for sure but,the 1995 OM and the 94-01 Haynes repair manual(printed in 2001) says nothing about ATF+4.

 

I am pretty sure they used dex III in the older models such as yours which is why it isn't in your OM. However I know my manual says on page 214, it instructs the usage of ATF + 4. Also the same in the shop manual. I encourage the OP to pull your OM out and report back just to let us know as I would venture to guess atf +4 has been used back to at least 98??? (just a guess)

Also, some more food for thought.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2006/21-010-06.htm

 

That TSB is from April 14, 2006

 

Where is the problem?

 

No problem, that TSB is 5 years after the last 2nd gen was made.