[FUGAZI]

Hey all, took my ‘19 in for a 50,000 mile preventive maintenance service to local Ford dealer. The dealership I usually goto(along with all the other power stroke heads I know) closed Nov 10th with no warning…..I called some independent shops and nobody wanted to touch it…so I made the choice to go to the other dealer in town despite previously having issues with their warranty & recall work…..I gave them $1800 for two diffs and transfer case plus the full transmission pan drop ($975 alone).

Driving down interstate the next day at 70mph, I hit gas and nothing happens. I see my gear indicator go from 10 to 1 instantly then back to 10, but no downshift. This happens a few more times, I pull over and find a puddle under my transmission. I get her towed to dealer on my nickel. They say it was overfilled, road test and give it back to me. Anyone have an idea what really happened? I can’t imagine transmission has a vent on it being underneath the vehicle. This dealer is the pits and won’t touch my truck ever again.

yes, I know the book says 150k miles, but that’s not my reality….you take care of your stuff and it takes care of you

 

[FUGAZI]

Also, just put the Bilsteins 5100 all the way around. Drive & ride quality is incredible now. Even the wife could feel the difference on her first ride. Wish I had done this sooner. The more level look is welcome also

 

[jmperlik]

ZF transmission? Are you confusing our Ford 10R80 10-speed transmission with FCA/Dodge 8-speed ZF transmission?

 

[FUGAZI]

@jmperlik yes I was thinking work and the yachting zf transmission. My mistake! The 10r80

 

[hydrex]

I suspect the dealer did overfill. That would indicate to me to learn how to do the service myself, next time. I do have a Ram with the ZF 8 speed, btw. Watched a couple youtube videos, and changed fluid and filter and fluid on the ZF at 100,000 miles, and did differentials and transfer case at the same time. Easy peasy, saved a fortune and sent a sample of used trans fluid to Blackstone and it came back looking normal. Planning on doing the trans again soon at 150k but will wait till 200k for diffs and transfer case. I've only had my Ram to the dealer once, for a radio update, and ,they managed to kill the radio, surprise.

 

[FUGAZI]

@hydrex good on yah! I wish I had a way to lift truck to get easier access. Would definitely do transfer and diffs on my own…the transmission filter and fluid might be a bit much for my technical skills. Reading on some other forums that this overfill mess is fairly common….I hope that overflow has a one way check valve to keep the crap out! I did read about someone running a line to an overflow can under the hood…..why did they not put a dipstick like the old days!!!!

 

[hydrex]

I have a couple independent shops that I use, both with lifts. Neither are diesel shops, but both have mechanics that are eager to learn how to do stuff and have the tools. 1 has a Mustang Dyno and the other has a state of the art alignment machine. My other vehicle is a 98 Subaru Outback and both shops are great with old Subies. I have never had good luck with any dealer, Ford, Mazda, Toyota and Dodge. IMHO, dealers will drain your wallet and f-up something every time. You can learn a lot from forums like this. Normal maintenence, I just drive my vehicles up on 4 ramps in the drive way and go for it. BTW, I'm planning on doing the Bilsteins at 150,000 miles on my Ram, glad to hear your feedback!

 

[FUGAZI]

@hydrex we had a local shop with two bays and lifts with tools you could rent. It closed down last year. Never got to use it. I agree 100% about dealers ….. you got a link for the ramps you use?
my truck was a base KR 4x4…..I think the FX4 standard shocks/struts are more robust. I don’t know a thing about your Ram, but if it’s anything like my stock F150 and it’s in your budget, do it next weekend! Best $1k upgrade I have ever done to any vehicle. You can feel it and so can passengers.

 

[Dijit]

I don’t understand changing the fluid in the tranny at 50k. But it’s your truck. I just keep an eye on the level and make sure it looks and smells right. I’ve had some fiascos as well at the dealer and that’s why I only let one of these 3 people do it. Me, myself, and I.

 

[hydrex]

@hydrex we had a local shop with two bays and lifts with tools you could rent. It closed down last year. Never got to use it. I agree 100% about dealers ….. you got a link for the ramps you use?
my truck was a base KR 4x4…..I think the FX4 standard shocks/struts are more robust. I don’t know a thing about your Ram, but if it’s anything like my stock F150 and it’s in your budget, do it next weekend! Best $1k upgrade I have ever done to any vehicle. You can feel it and so can passengers.

I bought 4 ramps frpm Harbor Freight years ago. Think they are Rinos. So far they have held up fine. My girlfriend's Toyota Matrix is so low to the ground, it wont go up without dragging, but my Subie and Ram work great. Really helps having 4 ramps to do the fuel filter on the Ecodiesel. I believe the Ram came with Bilstiens and they are still pretty decent but I figure at 150 k they are near the end. My suggestion, if you plan on keeping your truck for the long haul, send a sample of transmission fluid to Blackstone Labs. My Ram's ZF fluid was serviceable at 100,000k but certainly due for a change. Ram says it's lifetime fill, right! Bet if I'd never changed till now, would be in for expensive repairs.

 

[hydrex]

Here is a typical trans fluid sample of a ZF 8speed trans fluid where the owner pushed it.