ZF 8HP70 Transmission Pan, Filter & ATF Kit RAM/Jeep/Dodge

This kit is a complete fluid and filter service for the 8HP70 eight-speed automatic in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, built around Mopar service part 68225344. It is listed for the 2013-2019 Ram 1500, 2014-2019 Dodge Durango, 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2015-2019 Charger and Challenger. Owners usually reach for it when a truck that tows starts hunting between gears or shuddering at light throttle, when the pan is weeping, or simply because the fluid has never been changed and the miles are adding up.

What the pan and filter do in an 8HP70

On the Chrysler-family 8HP70 the filter is molded into the plastic oil pan, so a real filter service means a new pan, not a paper element. The pan holds the fluid supply under the valve body, the integral filter sits on the pump suction, and the two magnets set in the pan catch clutch material and steel wear before they can circulate. ZF's oil change bulletin lists its own kit for the 8HP70 Chrysler unit with ZF LifeguardFluid 8, and notes that the fluid ages faster under towing, sustained high speed and hard driving. That describes a lot of Ram and Durango duty cycles.

Symptoms of tired fluid and a loaded filter

• A harsh or hunting 1-2 shift, especially when warm
• Torque converter shudder at light throttle with converter lockup
• Slow engagement into Drive or Reverse after sitting
• Slipping under load while towing
• Fluid seeping from the pan flange or drain plug

How to confirm before buying

Read the fluid level the right way first. These units have no dipstick, and a low or overfilled transmission causes many of the same complaints as worn fluid. If the level is right and the fluid is dark, a pan and fluid service is the correct first step. If the codes point to a clutch ratio fault or the pan is full of friction material, the problem is internal. Our Grand Cherokee 8HP common problems and Charger 8HP shift problems guides help separate fluid problems from hard parts, and the filter and pan service guide covers what you should see on the magnets.

Fitment

Listed fitment is the 8HP70 in the 2013-2019 Ram 1500, 2014-2019 Durango, 2014-2019 Grand Cherokee and 2015-2019 Charger and Challenger. It does not fit the 845RE, the Chrysler-built version of the 8HP45 used behind many of the V6 engines in these same models. A V6 and a V8 of the same year can have different transmissions, so look up the transmission code by VIN before ordering. If you are unsure, send us the year and VIN. Other eight-speed parts are in the ZF 8HP collection.

Install notes

• Drain, then loosen the pan bolts crosswise from the center outward and drop the old pan. Look at the magnets before you throw it away.
• The new pan comes with the gasket installed. Clean the case flange, position the pan and run the 13 new bolts in by hand.
• Torque crosswise from the center out. ZF lists 10 Nm for the plastic 8HP pan.
• Refill through the fill plug on the side of the case using the included fluid. Most applications take a little over five liters, so six bottles leaves some for topping off. Add nothing else to the fluid.
• Set the level with the vehicle level and the engine running, fluid at 30-50 C (about 86-122 F) on a scan tool. Hold 2,000 rpm for about 30 seconds to fill the converter, select P, R and D, then fill until fluid runs out and close the plug at single drops.

Do not overfill. ZF warns that excess fluid escapes through the vent when hot and can ignite on the exhaust. Trucks that tow should also get a spare liter of 8HP ATF on the shelf for top-offs.

Will this fit my Ram 1500 with the 3.6L V6?

Only if that truck has the 8HP70. Many V6 Ram 1500s use the 845RE, which this kit does not fit. Look up the transmission code by VIN, or send us the VIN and we will check.

What is in the kit?

A plastic pan with the filter built in and the gasket installed, two magnets in the pan, a drain plug, 13 pan bolts, a fill plug with a new seal ring and six 1-liter bottles of ATF.

How much fluid does an 8HP70 pan service take?

Most applications take a little over five liters for a pan drop, which is why the kit includes six. Do not fill by volume. Fill until fluid runs out of the fill hole at 30-50 C with the engine running.

Can I just change the filter and keep my old pan?

Not on this transmission. The filter is molded into the pan, so a filter service means replacing the pan.

Will a fluid service fix converter shudder?

It often helps when the cause is worn fluid, because the converter clutch depends on the fluid's friction properties. If shudder comes back quickly on fresh fluid, look at the converter clutch control and the valve body next.

Do I need a scan tool?

Yes, to read fluid temperature. The level is only correct when it is set at 30-50 C, and there is no dipstick to check it another way.

• ZF 8HP Filter and Pan Service
• ZF 8HP Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems
• ZF 8HP Dodge Charger Shift Problems
• ZF 8HP Dodge Charger Common Problems
• ZF 8HP High-Mileage Service Checklist