Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Hi All,
Just completed the 60K transmission service on my 2016 Ram 3500 SRW 4WD, and I thought I'd share my experience for anyone else that might be inclined to DIY.
First off, let me say that this is a very do-able job for just about anyone with any mechanical skills. It was not necessary to do anything to the frame cross-member, as reaching the 3 or 4 transmission pan bolts under the cross-member was quite easy with the correct tools. I used a 1/4 " drive 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive "wobble" extension. (Note: the 1/4" drive was sort of mandatory since I couldn't reach the bolts with a 3/8" drive and the same set up [I tried]). I cannot take credit for the wobble extension idea since another member on this forum mentioned it in one of his posts. In any event, my tool kit now contains a dedicated 10MM socket and 1/4" drive wobble extension for just this task.
That said, the process was quite easy, similar to an oil change, if a bit messier. Got the transmission up to operating temperature, drained the ATF from the drain plug on the bottom of the pan, and when the fluid stopped coming out, removed the (20) bolts from the pan. Pan came right off and the gasket seemed very re-usable, so I did re-use it. What I didn't realize (this was my first time doing this service on any vehicle), was that when removing the internal ATF filter, another load of fluid would be released. Fortunately, I had placed some cardboard (heavy duty shipping box from Lowes) underneath and this helped minimize the clean up.
After cleaning the pan, re-assembly was simple. I will caution that it is very easy to over-torque the 20 transmission bolts, so I did them all by hand.
Refilling was a simple process, but since I had spilled a good bit of fluid, I wasn't sure how much to add. I started with 8 quarts, since this was what I could measure that hadn't spilled. Eventually wound up with about 9 1/2 qts total. This seems a bit more than most of the manuals for this transmission state is required, but is what I needed to get to the proper level on the dipstick.
The OBD-II did throw a code when I first started it after refill (think it was P-0868, "Transmission fluid pressure low"), but was an easy reset with my OBD-II reader.
I used Mobil 3309 ATF purchased on Amazon for $60 a case of 12 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLKXW9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and a mopar filter purchased from GENO's for $69. As far as I could determine, the Mobil 3309 ATF is the same fluid that RAM uses.
All said, it cost me ~$139 to do a service that the dealer(s) quoted me me over $500 for. Will certainly do all of my own transmission oil change services from now on.
The only question I have for those with more experience than me, is: When cleaning the pan, I noticed a heavy dark grey or black sludge type material (no metal shavings or anything like that) on the bottom of the pan and it seemed to be a little thicker on all the magnets. Was wondering if this is normal? I tow a 17,000 pound fifth wheel with this truck, and have just over 60,000 miles on it. The first transmission service was done by a dealer, and I presume all they did was drain the fluid thru the plug and refill it.
Anyway, there it is
Mike
Just completed the 60K transmission service on my 2016 Ram 3500 SRW 4WD, and I thought I'd share my experience for anyone else that might be inclined to DIY.
First off, let me say that this is a very do-able job for just about anyone with any mechanical skills. It was not necessary to do anything to the frame cross-member, as reaching the 3 or 4 transmission pan bolts under the cross-member was quite easy with the correct tools. I used a 1/4 " drive 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive "wobble" extension. (Note: the 1/4" drive was sort of mandatory since I couldn't reach the bolts with a 3/8" drive and the same set up [I tried]). I cannot take credit for the wobble extension idea since another member on this forum mentioned it in one of his posts. In any event, my tool kit now contains a dedicated 10MM socket and 1/4" drive wobble extension for just this task.
That said, the process was quite easy, similar to an oil change, if a bit messier. Got the transmission up to operating temperature, drained the ATF from the drain plug on the bottom of the pan, and when the fluid stopped coming out, removed the (20) bolts from the pan. Pan came right off and the gasket seemed very re-usable, so I did re-use it. What I didn't realize (this was my first time doing this service on any vehicle), was that when removing the internal ATF filter, another load of fluid would be released. Fortunately, I had placed some cardboard (heavy duty shipping box from Lowes) underneath and this helped minimize the clean up.
After cleaning the pan, re-assembly was simple. I will caution that it is very easy to over-torque the 20 transmission bolts, so I did them all by hand.
Refilling was a simple process, but since I had spilled a good bit of fluid, I wasn't sure how much to add. I started with 8 quarts, since this was what I could measure that hadn't spilled. Eventually wound up with about 9 1/2 qts total. This seems a bit more than most of the manuals for this transmission state is required, but is what I needed to get to the proper level on the dipstick.
The OBD-II did throw a code when I first started it after refill (think it was P-0868, "Transmission fluid pressure low"), but was an easy reset with my OBD-II reader.
I used Mobil 3309 ATF purchased on Amazon for $60 a case of 12 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLKXW9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and a mopar filter purchased from GENO's for $69. As far as I could determine, the Mobil 3309 ATF is the same fluid that RAM uses.
All said, it cost me ~$139 to do a service that the dealer(s) quoted me me over $500 for. Will certainly do all of my own transmission oil change services from now on.
The only question I have for those with more experience than me, is: When cleaning the pan, I noticed a heavy dark grey or black sludge type material (no metal shavings or anything like that) on the bottom of the pan and it seemed to be a little thicker on all the magnets. Was wondering if this is normal? I tow a 17,000 pound fifth wheel with this truck, and have just over 60,000 miles on it. The first transmission service was done by a dealer, and I presume all they did was drain the fluid thru the plug and refill it.
Anyway, there it is
Mike
