Remote Transmission Dip Stick Aftermarket Support?

[TJC]

I successfully installed the dipstick today. But had a few detours to work around. I removed the stock dipstick cap from the top using a 2' breaker bar, it freed up without incident. The truck has been sitting for a week so fluid levels had settled. Pulled the Ford dipstick out and trannie fluid was at the top of the scale. Once installed , the MBS dipstick read exactly the same! Great engineering Fitz!

The Detour
My Bendpak 2 post lift is going on 20 years old, and today I noticed a small puddle of hydraulic fluid on the garage floor near both posts when I raised the truck the second time!

The truck was already up 2' and I let it settle onto the safety supports taking the pressure off the lines a few days ago. I ended up raising/lowering the truck several times during the test fitting the tube phase. The last time I actually got a slight spray and knew I was at my limit. Ended up using a floor jack to raise the truck the last time to tighten up the tube fitting. I'll be removing and replacing all the hydraulic hoses on the lift this week. I still have a PPE pan to install.

Back to the Dipstick Install
Proceeded installing the adapter to the transmission and lowered the truck to install the tube. Geez I hate working on tall trucks. I need a folding step just to reach the firewall! Yes, I am short at 5'8". Took me 2 or 3 tries to feed the tube down correctly - it is a tight fit and it only goes in one way! Follow the instructions!

I had encountered the same problem with the wiring loom as airline tech. The sensor cable looks to be positioned just as his is. My truck is a 2020 XLT Edge 4x4. I had just enough play to keep the wire loom from touching the bracket, but it is close. I will most likely move the main loom slightly closer to set my mind at ease. The AC line is far enough away to not be a problem.

All in all I'm a happy camper!

Thank you Fitz for providing this fine product.

- T

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[Fitzmotor]

Very cool, did you try bending down the tab off the pipe that holds the connector and loom?

Leaky hoist, sure can be a mess, but I'm jealous, I would rather have a leaky one than none at all

 

[reidmefirst]

@Fitzmotor I would very much like to get on 'the list' to purchase one of these.

I hadn't followed the thread in a while but it kept popping up on the 'most recent posts' lists so I finally decided to take a look. Looks great! I haven't checked my fluid level ever due to the fear of death and scalding, and would like to correct that ;-).

 

[Msfitoy]

I'm not understanding what problems people are having with the harness...here's what mine looks like...the cables goes under the MBS aluminum head and the smaller cable is clear on the backside...the large harness attached to the tree is squeezed down when the bolt is tightened but nothing is pinched...

 

[Grumpaw]

When I did my install yesterday, on my 2021 2 wheel drive, the stick tube inserted exactly like in the video. Right up to the firewall, with no problem from the wiring harness....it was positioned just as in the video.
My ac line is closer than in the photo from Sid, but not touching....maybe just the difference between his 2019 and my 2021.
March 2021 build.

 

[Figarou]

@Fitzmotor Can you add me to the list? That or let me know when I can order one? Can I get a price so I know how much to set aside?

 

[airline tech]

I'm not understanding what problems people are having with the harness...here's what mine looks like...the cables goes under the MBS aluminum head and the smaller cable is clear on the backside...the large harness attached to the tree is squeezed down when the bolt is tightened but nothing is pinched...

See post 1,050 for pics of varied lengths of the short harness run.
It is not long enough to wrap around the tube. (For some)
Without (stretching) - (stressing) the harness.

 

[pismo1]

Also like to be on the list if there is one.

 

[airline tech]

So easy fix , for a mechanically confident owner, just cut into the wire harness tape and pull some wire out.
BUT, an alternative solution is being sought, so anybody can do this simple install without a possible oh crap I accidentally cut a wire .
Cutting into a harness takes special care to do it without damaging the wires.

 

[TJC]

See post 1,050 for pics of varied lengths of the short harness run.
It is not long enough to wrap around the tube. (For some)
Without (stretching) - (stressing) the harness.

I had to route the small cable in front and under the dipstick tube. It was too short to go outside it. My small cable was not near the firewall at all. I am going to form the tab to get me a little more slack and then use a 3"-5" section of 1/4" split plastic wire loom tubing to protect the smaller cable. Just to be sure...

Here a picture of mine installed.

And here is my custom MBS Dipstick Funnel. 5 minutes of quality shade tree mechanic engineering! When inserted into the tube, it curves up and catches nicely on the cowl. The ULV fluid is so thin it drains quickly. My transmission was a 3rd of a quart low.

And here's my next project, replacing the hydraulic hoses on my bendpak lift. The good news is that it is an easy job. A bit messy, but easy. I haven't priced custom made hydraulic hoses lately, but I bet prices have skyrocketed just like everything else.

When I started my 2020 Ranger today to test drive it I heard this very light chirping sound, I think my AC door flaps are starting to act up.... 18K miles on it... Quality is Job One at Ford - NOT!

 

[melficeapoll]

Great, another install, thanks for the input and the pic?

I wonder how many are installed out of the 29 that went out, actually 28, I have one return.

Ha, another poll!! just kidding!!

Oooh, I don't suppose you want to get that returned one off your hands? ?

 

[gwhalin]

Installed mine today. Only pain in the butt was the need to remove front passenger wheel due to my Shrockworks skid plates. I had already swapped to aftermarket pan so I had not overly tightened my factory dipstick cover. I did route the tube too far back first time but figured out pretty quick. I had no issue with figment and the levels on dipstick matched factory exactly. Wish I had this couple months ago when I installed PPE pan. Fantastic quality work!

Photos attached but not sure how helpful they are?

 

[Fitzmotor]

I had to route the small cable in front and under the dipstick tube

The small loom that goes to the exhaust pressure sensor?

 

[Blue Streak]

Since my level shows I am at 6. How much fluid do you think it will take to get it to the proper level between 5 & 4 ? Thanks in advance.

 

[JesseS]

Great, another install, thanks for the input and the pic?

I wonder how many are installed out of the 29 that went out, actually 28, I have one return.

Ha, another poll!! just kidding!!

For the life of me I can't imagine why someone would return it, it is a must have for the Ranger.

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