I wonder if it is worth it - Trans Fluid Drop early

[SMKapcoe]

Hi everyone,
I am new to the Ram and Cummins world so this may be common knowledge...

I was wondering if there is any value in doing a trans pan drop and replace the filter after the second oil change. Here is why I ask - when I used to run my chevy gas trucks, I would drop the trans fluid early and as a result I got over 300K on my Silverado transmission and it was still like new. The mechanic said doing the first one early would get out all the assembly shavings and such. While I was skeptical, I had my vehicle appraised and I had to convince the dealership that the trans was original. I am very little experience with Aisin or Cummins.

Thanks!
Steve

 

[jelag]

So I have a new to me, 2013 with an automatic.... its got just about 45K and has never towed... since I'm going to use this to tow my 5er... I changed all the fluids so I'd know where it stands... mine is a Laramie Longhorn so I have the ability to monitor the temperature of the fluid while towing.... that's the real killer of automatic transmission fluid is towing and slippage... I've decided after the mess, that at the next fluid change I'm going to change the pan to one from Geno's.... to add that extra 3 qts of fluid, but most of all the drain plug to make this process easier.... I'm guessing I'll move to a 50K mile interval for further changes....

Remember these transmissions have a screw on filter besides the screen on the inlet tube.. so they have the extra protection..

 

[gsbrockman]

I am very little experience with Aisin or Cummins.

Thanks!
Steve

Remember these transmissions have a screw on filter besides the screen on the inlet tube.. so they have the extra protection..

The AS69RC only has a sump filter. The 68RFE has a sump filter and the oil cooler line filter.....

 

[transe]

Any chips or shavings that are loose in the pan should get caught, either in the filter or on the pan magnet. Any chips or shavings that are in the internal passages (like inside the valve body) won't come out when you drop the pan and change the fluid. So I don't see a whole lot of benefit in doing an early fluid change. But if it gives you added peace of mind, feel free.

 

[EDankievitch]

Most of the wear ( BREAK IN) happens with in those first few thousand miles. That said why would you not want to change out the fluid early? Yes the filter "will catch" stuff but as it does it slowly becomes plugged and the flow through it will reduice. Also some particles will be smaller than the filter can catch. If you want to get the most out of anything mecanical The best thing you can do is provide it with clean fresh fluid and filters. The 2nd 3rd and so on changes I'd go by the service schedule in the manual.

 

[TCDiesel]

Its a good Idea to know what you have.