I did a drop 'n' drain with new filters (I forget what brand - I paid $29 for the kit) back in August of '07. I used Valvoline ATF+4 (seven quarts). 30K later it's doing just fine. Yeah, it's 'bout time to do it again. The diff's due, too.

 

Had mine done at the dealer yesterday. $340.00. But i got both filters done with Mopar replacements and watched them replace ALL the fluid with new ATF+4. Transfer case too. Best of all, did not have to get my hands dirty or deal with the mess.

 

This is my task for wednesday.... bought an after market pan that holds 2 1/2 quarts more of ATF +4 fluid along with the ability to stick a thermocouple in the fluids for real time temperature readings. PML is right down the street, so it was real easy for me.... if you are serious about monitoring your fluids, David has the products for you.

http://www.yourcovers.com/transpan_10304.php

also put on their differential cover which holds an additional 0.7 quarts of royal purple now, which got a thermocouple stuffed into the fluids. the powder coated/polished version which looks really good when i do a visual check.

http://www.yourcovers.com/diffcover_9518.php

laid the harness in using the black plastic wire covers that dodge uses to make it appear factory installed, with the three gauges stuffed into an A - Pillar Pod, using autometer's Phantom's 2 1/16" gauges to provide the data. then there will be magnetic drain plugs to utilize without that messy fluid everywhere mess your get from stock parts.

along with an oil temperature thermocouple installed, now all of my fluid temperatures are displayed, which helps in the understanding of what is being asked of my beast of burden.

182K and still kicking.....

 

The worst place to get accurate real time trans temp readings is the pan. The reason being is by the time the fluid in the pan heats up enough to create a concern, the cause is already well underway. The fluid in the sump has already gone through the cooler(s). The best place to get trans temp readings and where you will see a rise or drop in tempature almost immedialey is to mount the gauge sender in the line going to the trans cooler. This way you can see the temperature rise and fall rapidly. An in line mounting kit is only around $40 and simple to install.

Having a sender in the pan is fine if all you want is the average temperature of the fluid. But if the trans temp spikes you will see the temp rise much slower if you are getting readings from the pan.

And while the YourCovers pans look nice, i have to say, you can get a much nicer looking trans pan (My opinion) with better features (fact) for less money from Mag Hytec. (Comparing the black YourCovers pan at $290 to the MagHytec) I had the Mag Hytec trans and diff covers on my last Ram. The Mag Hytec pans come with allen head bolts (and the wrench), a magnetic drain plug, Temp fitting port already drill and tapped with a brass plug (YourCovers is not drilled and tapped, they charge extra to do it) and are machined with an O Ring seal so you never need a gasket or RTV. The 545RFE from Mag Hytec is $300.00 if you buy direct from them, but they also include the Transmission filter with it and don't need to buy RTV or a gasket. A better deal. And you can get them for $285 with free shipping online from dealers too.

As for the diff covers? Again, i think the Mag Hytec looks alot nicer. But looks aside, the Mag Hytec is MUCH better. Mag Hytec comes with stainless steel Allen Head bolts (and the wrench), drain plug, Temp fitting (pre drilled and tapped), machined O-Ring seal (no gaskets or RTV ever needed) and best of all, the DIPSTICK. It's a stainless steel dipstick that screws in near the top of the housing with a O-Ring sealing it in place. You use a hex key (comes with it) to loosen it, then fully loosen it with your fingers. It has proper level marks on the stick. The magnet on the dip stick is great because when you pull the stick to check the level, you can check the magnet at the same time. Cost is $245 with free shipping and it's black too.

Once i have the $$, ill be adding the Mag Hytec stuff to this truck too.

 

I did a complete tranny fluid flush at 60k miles. I disconnected the line going to the cooler and fed it into a bucket while I poured new fluid in. The fluid that came out was clear and bright, the two filter system works very well (2005 hemi 4x4). Since then I just do a pan drop and change the filters. Running great at 142k. If doing it yourself, I recommend that you soak the new filters in ATF before installing and expect to add fluid after a short drive. Filters absorb a lot of fluid and may be one of the reasons that fluid levels are always low after a tranny fluid and filter change. Also, the cork gasket that comes with the filters works very well and easier than trying to use RTV with the perpetual drip sliding down the side of the tranny body.