ZF Powerline for 2025 RAM HD Diesel

[Diesel85]

Someone on on another truck forum emailed ZF asking about the life of the ATF, iirc they said the trans should be service between 50-80K or 6 years... I've seen photos of ZF ATF with 80K and its black, my self I would trust the manufacture of when it needs to be serviced over Ram.

Did you see my picture of the fluid I got out of my ZF at 3 years 51,000 miles? I'm extremely happy I changed it on the early side of the scale. Especially with the near black color of the fluid in that measuring cup.

Even when I did my front differential, transfer case, and rear differential, it gave me the piece of mind they got fresh new fluid in them.

As far as serviceability, these trucks ARE serviceable, but take longer to do and sometimes cost more to do as a prime example with this ZF 8HP.

 

[06 Dodge]

Did you see my picture of the fluid I got out of my ZF at 3 years 51,000 miles? I'm extremely happy I changed it on the early side of the scale. Especially with the near black color of the fluid in that measuring cup.

Even when I did my front differential, transfer case, and rear differential, it gave me the piece of mind they got fresh new fluid in them.

As far as serviceability, these trucks ARE serviceable, but take longer to do and sometimes cost more to do as a prime example with this ZF 8HP.

No did not see yours, last week saw a post from a guy who had a dealer who refused to service his ZF-8 to say the least he was shocked, but then if the dealer had said yes he would of been shocked when they told him it would cost $900.00

 

[AH64ID]

Someone on on another truck forum emailed ZF asking about the life of the ATF, iirc they said the trans should be service between 50-80K or 6 years... I've seen photos of ZF ATF with 80K and its black, my self I would trust the manufacture of when it needs to be serviced over Ram.

Yes ZF recommends a fluid change more often than Ram, so change it.

It’s a more clear fluid (greenish) from the factory so black is what it will turn to pretty easily.

Still doesn’t make it a horrible feat to accomplish every 60K miles.

 

[Diesel85]

No did not see yours, last week saw a post from a guy who had a dealer who refused to service his ZF-8 to say the least he was shocked, but then if the dealer had said yes he would of been shocked when they told him it would cost $900.00

 

[AH64ID]

View attachment 139918

Don’t just judge fluid by its color. If we did that we’d have to change our engine oil at every fuel up.

 

[bcbender]

At the end of the day people just don’t like change and are often too lazy to learn new maintenance techniques, even if they aren’t any more difficult.

Well that's just him.. I can understand..

I for one am not against change, but as an development engineer, it infuriates me when things are designed and built simply for manufacturing only and do not take the end user into account which clearly seems to be the case here. Integrating the filter in the pan for example is a mfg only benefit, therefor I suppose yes, I have a problem with that. From a service and customer perspective there is no real need to replace the pan to change a filtering element except to save a few pennies on the mfg end. As far as having to keep it level and maintain a 10deg F window so you can eliminate the fill check element, again a cost cutting measure as you can make a dipstick that seals to eliminate the issue with hygroscopic oils.. our mag-hytec covers had fill indicators. IMHO these are ways the OEM are cutting costs and in-turn trying to create new "value" by expanding and ensuring they maintain a healthy service profit pillar. It is not that they are "not" serviceable, but for many it is much more intimidating for the average end user. The same game is being played with features, they are now charging, on some OEMS, to have the ability to "use" already installed hardware, for example heated seats, navi, etc.. its physically there but cannot use it unless subscribed to it. I had the Guardian from RAM for a free 1y trial.. No way it was worth the 25$ a month they wanted to use my phone to start the truck when I can walk to a window and push a button for free.

But hey.. that's my opinion and thankfully we can still have them for now.

 

[NIsaacs]

Just for fun here is a quick comparison of the 3 transmissions at fixed rpms. Speed is in MPH, tire size is 275/70R18, axle ratio is 3.73, and it's assuming a locked torque converter (even if they won't lock in 1st).

What ZF transmission model did you use for the comparison? The ratios are slightly different for HP's and AP's. The commercial duty (AP) might be for the HD pickups.

The commercial duty might have a more friendly service procedure? Maybe has a regular filter that is not part of the pan?

 

[AH64ID]

What ZF transmission model did you use for the comparison? The ratios are slightly different for HP's and AP's. The commercial duty (AP) might be for the HD pickups.

The commercial duty might have a more friendly service procedure? Maybe has a regular filter that is not part of the pan?

I used the ratios for a 8 AP 1200 S, which is the highest input torque rated one. It’s still only rated for 1,000 lb/ft so if that’s what Ram gets it’s likely a slightly different version or just an upgraded version.

I haven’t been able to find much on service intervals or parts.

The filter is considered a lifetime filter on the smaller units, so it’s not surprising it’s not an easy or cheap change.

 

[bcbender]

The filter is considered a lifetime filter on the smaller units, so it’s not surprising it’s not an easy or cheap change.

That was where I was going, if RAM includes the "severe duty" service like on the AISIN if you actually use the truck for its intended purpose, then you would be throwing more $$ and time at it to keep the warranty, I have changed ATF more than I care too because it's required and will again this fall (including a filter). We will see what shakes out on it I guess...

Looked today at trucks for grins just to see what the cost would be to get a 24... $108k for my truck or around $90 for a similarly optioned 23 on the lot... No way I could justify renewing..... (or even purchasing at this point as its about1/3 more than I paid 3y ago).. I cannot understand who has $1700 a month for a truck payment laying around, I thought 1k was crazy, then tax and Lic. Heck my tag is almost $800/yr on a 3y old truck, then there's insurance.......

 

[Diesel85]

That was where I was going, if RAM includes the "severe duty" service like on the AISIN if you actually use the truck for its intended purpose, then you would be throwing more $$ and time at it to keep the warranty, I have changed ATF more than I care too because it's required and will again this fall (including a filter). We will see what shakes out on it I guess...

Looked today at trucks for grins just to see what the cost would be to get a 24... $108k for my truck or around $90 for a similarly optioned 23 on the lot... No way I could justify renewing..... (or even purchasing at this point as its about1/3 more than I paid 3y ago).. I cannot understand who has $1700 a month for a truck payment laying around, I thought 1k was crazy, then tax and Lic. Heck my tag is almost $800/yr on a 3y old truck, then there's insurance.......

Most people who buy these trucks use it for business. But wait -- there's a catch!

Guess who pays for that truck?! The folks that use that business for their services (food/retail/services/etc).

The higher the prices that semi trucks and these commercial grade trucks go, the higher food and products will cost.

Indirectly, but with meaningful consequences those folks who buy new vehicles (whatever that may be Tesla/RAM/Isuzu/Ford/etc) for personal use also drive up inflation too due to them needing to be paid more, and minimum wage will need to thus be increased.

See the viscous cycle happening here? Not good.

 

[BigPapa]

Yeah, it's always been that way. It's just that most folks don't remember double-digit inflation like we have again.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Yes the pandemic has changed our lives

 

[Cummins12V98]

I run 6th when towing mostly flat ground 60mph and 1,750rpm. What gear would I be in at 60 and 1,750 with the new trans? I have 4.10's.

 

[AH64ID]

I run 6th when towing mostly flat ground 60mph and 1,750rpm. What gear would I be in at 60 and 1,750 with the new trans? I have 4.10's.

8th.

The Aisin with 4.10’s and 235/80R17 should only be tuning 1675 at 60 mph. 1750 would get you 63 mph.

The ZF has a slightly different 8th speed ratio, so 1750 rpms would be 62 and 60 would be 1700 rpms.

 

[Ozymandias]

4.10 with the ZF would bei hilarious. IMHO

 

[AH64ID]

4.10 with the ZF would bei hilarious. IMHO

It would certainly get a load moving when the 4.89:1 first gear.

 

[Ozymandias]

It would certainly get a load moving when the 4.89:1 first gear.

 

[Diesel85]

Interesting...

 

[NIsaacs]

I am in

 

[Diesel85]

I am in

Well, me too. But we shall see if any of these rumors are true.

For some that want the older transmissions, 2024 model year might be the time to buy your dream truck as I'm sure dealers will want to clear the lots if this does become a reality later this year.

As everyone has put it, these transmission notions have been all over the place for quite some time.

I'm not in the market to buy another truck until 2026-2027. But I want to see the new transmissions come out and be out for at least 1-2 years before I spend even more money on a truck than on my EcoD.