The Mopar 8/9 speed fluid is junk.

[hemioiler]

My ZF 8 speed is flawless. Towing or not towing, my temps never exceed 81C. Shifts buttery smooth, if the radio is on (to hide engine noise) you'd never know when the truck is doing its shifts (except for when its bitterly cold the first ones can be a little more noticeable).

 

[cptbarkey]

Is this some kind of salesman product testimonial? Where is the beef?

 

[hemioiler]

Is this some kind of salesman product testimonial? Where is the beef?

Guys have gone 250k miles on rams while towing half of that with factory fluid in their ZF. I'd never do that, but calling it "junk" is just wrong.

 

[User_19876]

My ZF 8 speed is flawless. Towing or not towing, my temps never exceed 81C. Shifts buttery smooth, if the radio is on (to hide engine noise) you'd never know when the truck is doing its shifts (except for when its bitterly cold the first ones can be a little more noticeable).

Mine is pretty much the same in the 3500, but I do get some torque converter clunking with harder deceleration, like when coming to a stop sign during more spirited driving. This is greatly reduced in tow/haul mode.

 

[martinq]

I would never recommend an OE branded fluid unless it was the best value option and/or no other, superior options were available. I'm very sure the OE branded fluid would support most transmissions making it to the warranty / finish line, at least enough of them to support an approved profit margin.

How many magnets are in that pan / system? Are they bonded to the (plastic?) pan?

 

[DCDG]

3 changes at 22.5 is boredom. over maintaining doesn't resolve or prevent issues long term.

 

[User_19876]

I would never recommend an OE branded fluid unless it was the best value option and/or no other, superior options were available. I'm very sure the OE branded fluid would support most transmissions making it to the warranty / finish line, at least enough of them to support an approved profit margin.

How many magnets are in that pan / system? Are they bonded to the (plastic?) pan?

Isn’t the Mopar fluid presumed to be Lifeguard? I’ve seen people use all sorts of different fluids in these transmissions, but the usual complaint when switching is related to the price of the Mopar product. Not quality.

 

[svtrit]

My ZF 8 speed is flawless. Towing or not towing, my temps never exceed 81C. Shifts buttery smooth, if the radio is on (to hide engine noise) you'd never know when the truck is doing its shifts (except for when its bitterly cold the first ones can be a little more noticeable).

I've joked that my 8 speed is a CVT in disguise. I changed the fluid with Mopar 8/9 fluid at 60,000 and it was even smoother!

 

[JeepJKU85]

I would never recommend an OE branded fluid unless it was the best value option and/or no other, superior options were available. I'm very sure the OE branded fluid would support most transmissions making it to the warranty / finish line, at least enough of them to support an approved profit margin.

How many magnets are in that pan / system? Are they bonded to the (plastic?) pan?

Two magnets. It's a stamped steel pan.

 

[martinq]

Two magnets. It's a stamped steel pan.

In that case I would add extra in areas that do not impact flow or solenoids near by. The magnets are filtering the fluid 24hrs a day whether the transmission is running or not. Get that ferrous metal out of the fluid!

 

[dadto2]

IDK about the fluid, but I can tell you this... I swore off any Chrysler products after 2 trans rebuilds on my '89 Dakota and 1 on my '95 Intrepid. All at fewer than 60,000. No thanks!

 

[racer12306]

IDK about the fluid, but I can tell you this... I swore off any Chrysler products after 2 trans rebuilds on my '89 Dakota and 1 on my '95 Intrepid. All at fewer than 60,000. No thanks!

Most Chrysler products haven't used a Chrysler designed transmission in many years. For the most part they are ZF designed units with a couple exceptions.

 

[dadto2]

Most Chrysler products haven't used a Chrysler designed transmission in many years. For the most part they are ZF designed units with a couple exceptions.

Good for them. They had their second chance.

 

[hemioiler]

Most Chrysler products haven't used a Chrysler designed transmission in many years. For the most part they are ZF designed units with a couple exceptions.

Goes to show how much "loyalty" plays into this vs picking a product based on its merits. Guys are still ornery over a now non existant corporation for products released 30+ years ago.

 

[SShooterZ]

Hey, I love the electric power steering in my VWs. No pumps, no PS fluid (and leaks), no reservoir or hoses. And both cars have good road feel and are a pleasure to drive. I never want to go back to the old type power steering.

I have it in both the Wife's RX350 and the kid's Avalon. No complaints from me whatsoever.

 

[DCDG]

Most Chrysler products haven't used a Chrysler designed transmission in many years. For the most part they are ZF designed units with a couple exceptions.

ZF good trans no? Who be contracted for the fluids Exxon Mobil or Pennzoil? Fluid brand & quality shouldn’t rise a concern.

 

[racer12306]

Goes to show how much "loyalty" plays into this vs picking a product based on its merits. Guys are still ornery over a now non existant corporation for products released 30+ years ago.

Just like how all Neons had head gasket issues when really it was just the 95s

ZF good trans no? Who be contracted for the fluids Exxon Mobil or Pennzoil? Fluid brand & quality shouldn’t rise a concern.

The ZF transmission options are generally considered solid but to some Chryslers will always have bad transmissions. I believe the LG8 is a Shell product and LG9 is a Fuchs product.

 

[bullwinkle]

Goes to show how much "loyalty" plays into this vs picking a product based on its merits. Guys are still ornery over a now non existant corporation for products released 30+ years ago.

I'm the opposite-I remember old abused Mopar chassis (like my 12K empty 440-3/Torqueflite 727 RV) where transmissions COULDN'T BE DESTROYED! And wonder where we went wrong...

 

[JeepJKU85]

This is surprising to me. Were you regularly over 200*?

I had to look at your history, so I assume this is the 8HP that Chrysler builds to ZF spec. Is this a Wrangler or Gladiator

I'd lean to there is an issue with that transmission more so than the fluid is bad. The Mopar fluid is rebottled Lifeguard which is highly regarded in ZF transmissions across any brand vehicle using it.

Gladiator. Normally temps were 195F to about 210F especially in summer temps. Since getting about 60% out of it the hottest I've seen it go was 196F in city driving. If I get up on on highway it runs 185 to 190 even in 95 to 100 F heat.

 

[DCDG]

Just like how all Neons had head gasket issues when really it was just the 95s

The ZF transmission options are generally considered solid but to some Chryslers will always have bad transmissions. I believe the LG8 is a Shell product and LG9 is a Fuchs product.

I remember when I used to find justification for why I wanted to change a part of fluid out. Nothing wrong with the OE spec'd fluid then maybe the trans wonky maybe not maybe just a fluid bash post.