My father has a 03 ram with the 5.7,auto trans. 174k on the clock. The engine its self is well maintained,but he asked me to do a trans pan filter and fluid change. I asked if it had ever been done and he said not while hes had it. He got it with 59k. The only thing ever done was a quart of lucas trans fix was added about 20k miles ago to help a slipping issue when turning. Im sure it was just a little low on fluid. I test drove the truck when it was cold and shifted fine. Hot i could notice the shifts,but there were no hard shifts,just noticeable ones. Fluid Looks a little tan,it doesnt smell burnt. Just looks like it needs changed.


Im sure its a bit of a gamble,Should I change it now,and it possibly cause more issues? He said when ever it blows hes going to install a rebuilt trans with a shift kit etc. Then again its my mothers daily driver too when hes out of town.

 

Doing a trans dump and filter change is fairly safe. The flush or fuild exchange causes more problems. You memtioned that when the trans fails, it would be rebuilt/upgraded anyway. Might be able to put that off for some time. So for a few $ and labor, it could be a smart investment.

Over time, the flow through filters will be reduced causing the trans to run hotter and the new trans oil will lube and protect the internals along with treating the seals.

 

Change it out. It wont HURT anything. to do a filter and pan change. At that mileage you need to change the oil in the differential also