Remote Transmission Dip Stick Aftermarket Support?

[DaveT]

Ford recommends changing transmission fluid every 150,000 miles. If you own your truck for 300,000 (I won't), then you do it once. The cost is: "The average cost for a Ford Ranger Transmission Fluid Change is between $215 and $252. Labor costs are estimated between $141 and $178 while parts are priced between $74 and $74." I'll just let the dealer deal with it, easier and cheaper.

Sponsored

 

[Fitzmotor]

Good point if you follow the owners manual.

This started for me with the transmission acting up, I read on here about some trucks being delivered 3qts low, I checked mine, it was low, that whole crawling under the truck to check it, is simply stupid.

So for those who don't want to trust Ford or crawl around, there is the dipstick option.

B&M priced themselves so high, that guys like me would rather make one, if they are in demand, I may consider selling a few, maybe not.

The first thing is to make it, then fit it, then test it, if all is good, decide from there.

 

[Big Blue]

Good point if you follow the owners manual.

This started for me with the transmission acting up, I read on here about some trucks being delivered 3qts low, I checked mine, it was low, that whole crawling under the truck to check it, is simply stupid.

So for those who don't want to trust Ford or crawl around, there is the dipstick option.

B&M priced themselves so high, that guys like me would rather make one, if they are in demand, I may consider selling a few, maybe not.

The first thing is to make it, then fit it, then test it, if all is good, decide from there.

What he said!

As far as liability, like every other modifation we do to our trucks, we assume some responsability for possible failures. Do you think that B&M assumes any liability for your transmission failing because YOU installed their dipstick? Do you think PPE assumes any liability because YOU installed their transmission pan. Sure if it leaks or cracks they will replace it. Transmission failure, thats on YOU because YOU changed it. If it worries you, include a tag with every one stating "you assume no expressed or implied liability for the use of this assembly". Personally I feel the risk with this is way less than some of the other things we do.

I'll buy one as I'm sure will many others on this forum.

I have the skills to do what you are doing, but not the means.

Following and waiting somewhat impatiently.

 

[Grumpaw]

What he said!

As far as liability, like every other modifation we do to our trucks, we assume some responsability for possible failures. Do you think that B&M assumes any liability for your transmission failing because YOU installed their dipstick? Do you think PPE assumes any liability because YOU installed their transmission pan. Sure if it leaks or cracks they will replace it. Transmission failure, thats on YOU because YOU changed it. If it worries you, include a tag with every one stating "you assume no expressed or implied liability for the use of this assembly". Personally I feel the risk with this is way less than some of the other things we do.

I'll buy one as I'm sure will many others on this forum.

I have the skills to do what you are doing, but not the means.

Following and waiting somewhat impatiently.

Don't get me wrong...Fitz has come up with a viable alternative to the B&M.....was just pointing out some items. B&M and PPE sell and we install their parts....but if something does occur because of their produce...our fault, their fault, they have the $$$, time, and in house lawyers to make it drag out till your spending more on a suit than the repair would cost.
I am not saying this would happen to Fitz....just pointing out what could happen because of an improper threaded part he made, an improper seal, an improper marking, ect ect. that "MAY" cause a problem for someone.
If you go into a "business" manufacturing something for sale you need to be aware of what might happen down the road. Thats why almost all small businesses have insurance/liability insurance....it's a necessity now in our "lawsuit era".

 

[Fitzmotor]

You have to have at least a LLC to limit the damage caused by a lawsuit.

 

[Msfitoy]

Ford recommends changing transmission fluid every 150,000 miles. If you own your truck for 300,000 (I won't), then you do it once. The cost is: "The average cost for a Ford Ranger Transmission Fluid Change is between $215 and $252. Labor costs are estimated between $141 and $178 while parts are priced between $74 and $74." I'll just let the dealer deal with it, easier and cheaper.

 

[Big Blue]

Don't get me wrong...Fitz has come up with a viable alternative to the B&M.....was just pointing out some items. B&M and PPE sell and we install their parts....but if something does occur because of their produce...our fault, their fault, they have the $$$, time, and in house lawyers to make it drag out till your spending more on a suit than the repair would cost.
I am not saying this would happen to Fitz....just pointing out what could happen because of an improper threaded part he made, an improper seal, an improper marking, ect ect. that "MAY" cause a problem for someone.
If you go into a "business" manufacturing something for sale you need to be aware of what might happen down the road. Thats why almost all small businesses have insurance/liability insurance....it's a necessity now in our "lawsuit era".

While you bring up valid points, I don’t think Fitz is going into "business" and marketing these things commercially. More as a service to fellow forum members. Much like @Heavy Duty with his front hitch.

Unfortunately it is the sad state of our sociaty, that even makes this conversation relevent. Nobody will take responsabilty for their own actions or decisions. It is always someone elses fault. But, they are the first to take credit when something good happens.

 

[JesseS]

$22?! B&M must be made of gold...

This is why I didn't purchase one, I don't mind paying a little more for well made items, but I don't like being ripped off either. So if you go with this you can put me down for one.

 

[Msfitoy]

Do all the models of the 19-23 Ranger call out the same transmission fluid level hot?

Between 4-5 on the stick?

Both two wheel drive and four wheel drive?

I pretty much have the cheaper stick figured out, with a real flat blade stick and a much bigger ID hose for filling.

If all Rangers call out for between 4-5 I may be able to make pre-marked sticks.

I still have a ways to go with making a proper mount, but it's getting there.

That's a great start Mike...if you get around to doing a limited run, please put me down for one...

 

[Msfitoy]

Well, I missed it by a 1/8th of a inch on length, I was trying to have the crosshatch start at the top of 4, as the stick says dont add in the crosshatch.

I will have to mark all the numbers if I go off and start making more of these.

I had to make a plate to get a accurate measurement.

So now I have to fab up a mount, what sucks the truck is at Ford getting it APIM module, I cant work on it.

That's lined up pretty good to me...

 

[Big Blue]

That's a great start Mike...if you get around to doing a limited run, please put me down for one...

Count me in too. I'd even sign a waver of liability if that what you need. Better than paying for a generic dipstick and having to makey own marks.

 

[2021Ranger]

Yes please count me in also..

 

[TJC]

Ford recommends changing transmission fluid every 150,000 miles. If you own your truck for 300,000 (I won't), then you do it once. The cost is: "The average cost for a Ford Ranger Transmission Fluid Change is between $215 and $252. Labor costs are estimated between $141 and $178 while parts are priced between $74 and $74." I'll just let the dealer deal with it, easier and cheaper.

If you wait until 150,000 miles to change your transmission fluid, expect your transmission to slip.

Can Changing your Transmission Fluid Cause Damage?

Here’s What Happens If You Change Lifetime Transmission Fluid in Your Car

 

[DaveT]

If you wait until 150,000 miles to change your transmission fluid, expect your transmission to slip.

Okay, so I do it at 100,000 miles....I'm still doing it just once...selling it before it hits 200K.

 

[Big Blue]

Ford recommends changing transmission fluid every 150,000 miles. If you own your truck for 300,000 (I won't), then you do it once. The cost is: "The average cost for a Ford Ranger Transmission Fluid Change is between $215 and $252. Labor costs are estimated between $141 and $178 while parts are priced between $74 and $74." I'll just let the dealer deal with it, easier and cheaper.

If you think the dealer is only going to charge you $74 for a filter and fluid, you are sadly mistaken. And if they ate only charging that little for labor that's barely an hour of labor. Not much of a transmission service.

Sponsored