If you are thinking about changing your transmission fluid, read this first

[Big Blue]

Isn't it amazing that in the 21st Century, where we've split the atom and gone to Space, we still don't have drain plugs as standard equipment? Why???

Keep asking that question, if you ever get an answer come back and let us know.

Have automatic transmissions ever had drain plugs? Now they took away the dipstick too.

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[5thranger]

I rarely use 4L, so can't comment on that.



Not with the FitzStick! You have gravity working for you there!

Where do you order a FitzStick

 

[RedlandRanger]

Where do you order a FitzStick

It is technically a MBS stick (Mike's Build Shop). @Fitzmotor created it. He did an amazing job with it - it looks like it should have come from the factory. He is still ramping up production, but you can express interest in this thread:

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/remote-transmission-dip-stick-aftermarket-support.24547/

When he has enough built to satisfy demand, he will PM you with details. Once he gets all the "pre orders" done, he is planning to create a website to order them.

 

[Amsoil guy]

It is on the drivers side of the engine, kind of next to the brake booster.

This posting shows a picture of its location:

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/bucking-surging-epidemic.14581/post-617753

That thread has a ton of info as well. It is long but has lots of good info in it.

Perfect, thank you

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Isn't it amazing that in the 21st Century, where we've split the atom and gone to Space, we still don't have drain plugs as standard equipment? Why???

Partially because of the move to "lifetime" fluids, and partially because the EPA believes that if you change the fluid yourself you'll just dump it into the nearest trout stream and then throw a car battery in there to boot.

 

[Buckbull]

The procedure with the plastic transmission plan is to replace the pan when you change the fluid and filter. I'll be buying the PPE or Mishimoto versions when I do my transmission fluid change. I plan to keep the truck for a long time (last truck got 280,000 miles). The fitzstick is legit. Recommend it to everyone.

 

[Cabose-1]

Isn't it amazing that in the 21st Century, where we've split the atom and gone to Space, we still don't have drain plugs as standard equipment? Why???

Good question. I worked as a mechanic about 5 years 2010 to about 2015 and nithing but the oil pan had a drain plug for about 90 percent of all cars and trucks. So i just live with it. Learned how to spill fluids without making a mess. Well, less of a mess anyway.

 

[Cabose-1]

Where do you order a FitzStick

Rob let you know where to go to get the mbs dipstick.
It is worth every penny! And he ships it in packaging that puts most companies to shame. It is such a good product, you will really enjoy it. A few videos on the net as to how to install as well. Just follow his directions and you will do fine. Taking your time it will take about an hour. Just roll it in the garage turn on the ac and take your time.
It is worth the money. Trust the forum.

GEN-Y HITCH, and tailgate strut assist.

 

[dtech]

Keep asking that question, if you ever get an answer come back and let us know.

Have automatic transmissions ever had drain plugs? Now they took away the dipstick too.

Some still do and many yrs back torque converters had drain plugs as well. If you remove the drain plugs and the dipstick you cut cost, just as Ford did away with the diff drain plug. Plus you reduce the likelihood of inexperienced/unqualified folks from putting in the incorrect fluid and/or incorrect fluid level, as evidenced on this board trannies puking fluid because of overfill.

 

[ctechbob]

Have automatic transmissions ever had drain plugs? Now they took away the dipstick too.

Yup, every Honda I've ever owned had one.

There's a few others out there, but I would say that it is the exception rather than the rule, for sure.

As much as I love the ZF8 - 8 Speed, at least we aren't forced into doing a new pan every change like lots of them are. They built the filter into the pan, so to change the filter, you have to buy a new pan.

As to the theme of the thread, if you are not going to replace the pan (Although, he Dorman pan is actually kind of attractive at the price point) invest in a fluid pump and pump the ATF out before dropping it.

 

[Rocketeer61]

Partially because of the move to "lifetime" fluids, and partially because the EPA believes that if you change the fluid yourself you'll just dump it into the nearest trout stream and then throw a car battery in there to boot.

I didn't think of that. Thanks, Uncle Sugar, for saving us lower animals from ourselves.

 

[TJC]

Partially because of the move to "lifetime" fluids, and partially because the EPA believes that if you change the fluid yourself you'll just dump it into the nearest trout stream and then throw a car battery in there to boot.

Federal Agencies should not be mandating anything until they get their own house in order, For Instance...

• DENVER -- The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it will not repay claims totaling more than $1.2 billion for economic damages from a mine waste spill the agency accidentally triggered in Colorado, saying the law prohibits it.
• EPA still failing to act on widespread toxic chemical contamination of U.S. drinking water

 

[Grish]

Good info, thanks for posting.

1) Does anyone have positive reviews of the plastic pan with drain that Dorman makes? I've seen reviews that the drain plug leaks and the threads are stripped.

2) The day I changed my transfer case and rear diff fluids ALL my transmission issued disappeared. Shifts gears as smoothly as my parent's corolla now. (both were FULL of metal dust too, to the point the magnets weren't collecting any more)

3) After your transfer case fluid change, do you notice a difference in torque in 4L? My torque easily doubled. My Ranger pulls itself now without pressing on the accelerator. Acts just like the crawler gear in the manual Bronco.

i was probably one of the earlier ones that ordered the Dorman pan. In fact I created a thread on asking others their experience. Didn’t get any thing back saying not to, so I did it. First one I could never tighten the plug tight enough to keep it from leaking. Changed the crush washer two additional times to different types and still no luck. Had to drain it every time and filter the fluid each time to satisfy my ocd of making sure no dirt got back in. Returned it for a new one as defective. Put the new one on and plug did not leak. Fucking gasket did and I couldn’t stop it. I threw the damn thing in the trash and put the stock one back on. I can have it drained, removed and back on in 15 minutes now start to finish. I do not endorse the Dorman pan.

 

[ctechbob]

i was probably one of the earlier ones that ordered the Dorman pan. In fact I created a thread on asking others their experience. Didn’t get any thing back saying not to, so I did it. First one I could never tighten the plug tight enough to keep it from leaking. Changed the crush washer two additional times to different types and still no luck. Had to drain it every time and filter the fluid each time to satisfy my ocd of making sure no dirt got back in. Returned it for a new one as defective. Put the new one on and plug did not leak. Fucking gasket did and I couldn’t stop it. I threw the damn thing in the trash and put the stock one back on. I can have it drained, removed and back on in 15 minutes now start to finish. I do not endorse the Dorman pan.

Holding up their reputation I see.

 

[DRVMN]

I just had my 2021 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 serviced - Transmission Fluid Exchange and Brake Fluid Exchange. 52,722 miles on the odometer. I wasn't having any issues with either system . . . just wanted to have both serviced as preventative maintenance. Transmission fluid checked out fine - no signs of debris in the system, no burning smell, good color, etc. and same with the brake fluid. The brake pedal now has more "firmness" to it, and I've always suspected that there was air in the system from the factory.

They do not have to drop the pan with a fluid exchange. The machine used to flush/exchange the fluid reads pressures so the technician can tell if the filter is starting to build up with debris. A fluid exchange plus filter change is a lot more involved. First, the fluid has to be exchanged, then the pan dropped for filter replacement, followed by refilling fluid. If the only thing done is a pan removal and filter change, a lot of old fluid still remains in the system. That's what makes the cost go up. I will eventually do a filter change as well, but the service writer said the exchange would be fine for now. It would have been nice to replace the filter too, but it really adds a lot to the cost. As it is, I think they used 16 quarts of fluid - even though the transmission system uses just under 13. Part of that comes from flushing the old fluid out and adding the flush kit. I've always had good luck with my dealership and when I walked around the outside of the building, I could see my truck being worked on, and they definitely put the time in and did the job correctly.

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