MBS Extended Automatic Transmission Dipsticks now available

[Fitzmotor]

How can us pre-funnel customers get a funnel?

I'm working on it, I got a printer, I just am having trouble printing the funnel in ABS, I can print them in the lower temp PLA just fine. So I have to dive into it and see if it's a adjustment to something.

I'm about to run out of the China funnels, so I need to get on it, once I get it working, they will be available, hopefully after next week.

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[JoeC]

Well, you folks talked me into it; I ordered and installed this Fitzstick, and I think it's the best thing I've done to this truck, if for my peace of mind, if nothing else.
As predicted, removing the factory plug was a problem.
That sucker was stubborn
I also wound up thru the wheel with a breaker bar.
After that (due to the informative posts here in 5gRanger, the EXCELLENT directions in the kit, and the video on Utube) the installation was a piece of cake.
I want to thank Mike for a great product.
Everything about my experience with MBS was 5 Star!
For those interested: My stick is #490. Mike's been a busy boy!
Only 45,259 to go; because I think every Ranger built should have come with this.
(The FACTORY offering is nonsense, in my opinion)
Good luck Mike, and thanks again.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Well, you folks talked me into it; I ordered and installed this Fitzstick, and I think it's the best thing I've done to this truck, if for my peace of mind, if nothing else.
As predicted, removing the factory plug was a problem.
That sucker was stubborn
I also wound up thru the wheel with a breaker bar.
After that (due to the informative posts here in 5gRanger, the EXCELLENT directions in the kit, and the video on Utube) the installation was a piece of cake.
I want to thank Mike for a great product.
Everything about my experience with MBS was 5 Star!
For those interested: My stick is #490. Mike's been a busy boy!
Only 45,259 to go; because I think every Ranger built should have come with this.
(The FACTORY offering is nonsense, in my opinion)
Good luck Mike, and thanks again.

Actually he has a looooong way to go seeing Ford built 375,151 2019-2023 Rangers.

 

[JoeC]

Actually he has a looooong way to go seeing Ford built 375,151 2019-2023 Rangers.

Yea, I'm sure your right, (not counting deisels over seas and what not?)
I just wanted to imply that he should have a good market out there, and all the best to him.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Yea, I'm sure your right, (not counting deisels over seas and what not?)
I just wanted to imply that he should have a good market out there, and all the best to him.

Yes, that number is US production. Not sure if includes Canada but guessing so seeing they’re built in the same plant.

 

[SilverRanger]

Another happy customer. Installed the MBS Fitz stick yesterday.

2019 Ranger with the 2.3L/10R80 combo with 16,741 on the odometer. Tranny has been mostly well behaved. My dealer did apply a PCM TBS in August of 2020 when I complained about surging behavior when cold. That cleaned up cold running considerably. Occasionally it will shift a bit hard if its really cold and I don't let it warm up for a minute or two after start.

Installation:

Yes, as the instructions state, the OEM plug was a b*tch to remove. I went through the side after rolling back the rubber chassis cover. A 1/2" drive flex head ratchet/19mm socket then a 3' long breaker pipe did the trick.

Wanted to use the nylock nut, but I could not get my body into the engine bay far enough to be able to hold the nut and start the bolt. Resorted to using the U-nut.

Overall, excellent instructions. Thank you, Mike!

A couple of observations:

It appears to me the plastic OEM transmission pan has "sagged" in the center. Just doesn't look right. Could be the way it was designed, though.

The fluid appears clean/light pink in color. First time it has been checked.

I did let the truck idle for 15 minutes then took for a short run on the highway after the installation was complete. Ambient temp was 60F. The first check of the fluid level appears to be low, barely reaching 6 on the stick. But, finding a level spot is a challenge and I didn't hook up the OBS reader to look at temps.

I'll be watching it as the weather warms up and I can map out a level parking spot.

Thanks again, Mike!

 

[got3fords]

Another happy customer. Installed the MBS Fitz stick yesterday.

2019 Ranger with the 2.3L/10R80 combo with 16,741 on the odometer. Tranny has been mostly well behaved. My dealer did apply a PCM TBS in August of 2020 when I complained about surging behavior when cold. That cleaned up cold running considerably. Occasionally it will shift a bit hard if its really cold and I don't let it warm up for a minute or two after start.

Installation:

Yes, as the instructions state, the OEM plug was a b*tch to remove. I went through the side after rolling back the rubber chassis cover. A 1/2" drive flex head ratchet/19mm socket then a 3' long breaker pipe did the trick.

Wanted to use the nylock nut, but I could not get my body into the engine bay far enough to be able to hold the nut and start the bolt. Resorted to using the U-nut.

Overall, excellent instructions. Thank you, Mike!

A couple of observations:

It appears to me the plastic OEM transmission pan has "sagged" in the center. Just doesn't look right. Could be the way it was designed, though.

The fluid appears clean/light pink in color. First time it has been checked.

I did let the truck idle for 15 minutes then took for a short run on the highway after the installation was complete. Ambient temp was 60F. The first check of the fluid level appears to be low, barely reaching 6 on the stick. But, finding a level spot is a challenge and I didn't hook up the OBS reader to look at temps.

I'll be watching it as the weather warms up and I can map out a level parking spot.

Thanks again, Mike!

Wow! That's a low mileage '19! I know it's low mileage, but I'd be tempted to get a flush and add LubeGuard Platinum. At minimum, right now I'd add the LubeGuard.

 

[Tom_C]

I must be one of the lucky ones, the OEM plug popped right loose. Maybe the dealer had loosened it on a previous visit, dunno.

I don't have jack stands, so I jacked up the passenger side and set the front tire down on a 4" cinder block. I was able to crawl under my truck, wipe everything off, and then the plug broke loose with a regular 19mm ratchet wrench.

My only issue is not with the product, but I can't read the level when the trans is hot. It just doesn't show up well for me. So, I'm stuck either setting the dipstick down on a clean paper towel and using that to try to decern the level. Or, I let it drain overnight and check it cold... I'm using the information from the installation video that said the cold level is about the 2 mark. When hot it is between 4 and 5.

I don't know if more hatch marks on the dipstick would work better or not. But, first world problems, right? it's a great product.

 

[got3fords]

My only issue is not with the product, but I can't read the level when the trans is hot. It just doesn't show up well for me. So, I'm stuck either setting the dipstick down on a clean paper towel and using that to try to decern the level. Or, I let it drain overnight and check it cold... I'm using the information from the installation video that said the cold level is about the 2 mark. When hot it is between 4 and 5.

I don't know if more hatch marks on the dipstick would work better or not. But, first world problems, right? it's a great product.

Reading the level is indeed difficult, especially with newer fluid. Which may be why the dealer over filled mine. I use a white lint-free wipe, Kimwipe, to wipe it clean, reinsert stick, then press the stick against it to try to see where the level is.

 

[OGMix376]

So happy I finally get to post this..

 

[The Last Ranger]

How can us pre-funnel customers get a funnel?

Ya I like the looks of that funnel so I'll take one if your stocked up now, I was #20 , thx Mike

 

[Superspirit]

Waiting for one those myself. I'm sure he'll contact me when they're ready as he said he would.

 

[Fitzmotor]

Another happy customer. Installed the MBS Fitz stick yesterday.

2019 Ranger with the 2.3L/10R80 combo with 16,741 on the odometer. Tranny has been mostly well behaved. My dealer did apply a PCM TBS in August of 2020 when I complained about surging behavior when cold. That cleaned up cold running considerably. Occasionally it will shift a bit hard if its really cold and I don't let it warm up for a minute or two after start.

Installation:

Yes, as the instructions state, the OEM plug was a b*tch to remove. I went through the side after rolling back the rubber chassis cover. A 1/2" drive flex head ratchet/19mm socket then a 3' long breaker pipe did the trick.

Wanted to use the nylock nut, but I could not get my body into the engine bay far enough to be able to hold the nut and start the bolt. Resorted to using the U-nut.

Overall, excellent instructions. Thank you, Mike!

A couple of observations:

It appears to me the plastic OEM transmission pan has "sagged" in the center. Just doesn't look right. Could be the way it was designed, though.

The fluid appears clean/light pink in color. First time it has been checked.

I did let the truck idle for 15 minutes then took for a short run on the highway after the installation was complete. Ambient temp was 60F. The first check of the fluid level appears to be low, barely reaching 6 on the stick. But, finding a level spot is a challenge and I didn't hook up the OBS reader to look at temps.

I'll be watching it as the weather warms up and I can map out a level parking spot.

Thanks again, Mike!

I'm glad it went well, and yes, the fluid is thin and clear, low light is the best way to read it.

I found that if I use the amber marker light and look for the reflection, or the clean towel method also works well.

Bright sunlight reflects too much off the shiny stick, I have tried bead blasting the sticks, scoring, scuffing and Scotch-Brite, nothing really helps, the fluid is so thin.

As for the funnels, what I thought to be a easy solution has not been easy, I have printed 20+ funnel fails, the ABS is a difficult material to print, the PLA prints perfectly.

But.... fingers crossed, through a mistake, I may be good to go now. I thought after so many fails, I should buy the OEM material from the printer company, so I did, still problems, changed settings, still problems, changed settings again.

I was about to give up. I tried again, but I forgot to assign the OEM material in the program, it defaulted to the non OEM material, it printed perfectly, so I have one great copy, hopefully the rest will be the same, the silver is the OEM plastic, the blue is the cheap Amazon stuff.

So just maybe I will have funnels available, a bit early to tell, but I finally have a clean printing.

 

[TJC]

The right most funnel looks perfect!

Congrats!

You are a craftsman. Not many left in this world.

I find projects move in increments. I call it "polishing the stone" Small incremental improvements all add up to a great finished product.

Your funnel work followed the same creative process. You know a great deal about what didn't work, and discovered what did!

Feels satisfying when you finally achieve success.

 

[THORNRIDER]

Mike, I installed your Transmission Dip Stick, Fitz-Stick, on my 2020 Ranger FX2. My friend and I have been in manufacturing our whole careers and we were so impressed with the fit and finish of your product. The funnel is too cool. This will make filling the tranny so easy. I highly recommend this product. Thank you for making this product.

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