Trans pan w/drain by Dorman

[Jimmiee]

Yeah this is why it’s important to do a pan drain every 30K. It keeps the fluid in good condition. If you do this you should never need to do a complete exchange as long as the fluid stays “Red”. Keep in mind the OE fluid isn’t red like aftermarket fluids like Amsoil or RedLine. If your Bronco is in warranty it’s a good idea to use the OE fluid just in case you need warranty work. I have seen Nissan deny warranty because the CVT fluid was “RED”. It’s a touchy subject so why risk it. Use the OE fluid until it’s out of warranty. JM

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[Ducati1098]

To your point about how much fluid is needed to have all "new" fluid, provided you dump about 6.1 QTs per change (which is what the Ford tech told me) it will take about 24 QTs to go below 10% old fluid:

Helps a lot if you have the time to let it sit and drain as long as possible also.
There are some at work that I'll pull the pan and the filter to do some type of repair, it'll sit over night and I'll need ~10 quarts or so to get it back to the correct level the next day.
I don't know the numbers for that amount, but I'd guess it would cut it down a decent amount.

 

[toymaster]

Helps a lot if you have the time to let it sit and drain as long as possible also.
There are some at work that I'll pull the pan and the filter to do some type of repair, it'll sit over night and I'll need ~10 quarts or so to get it back to the correct level the next day.
I don't know the numbers for that amount, but I'd guess it would cut it down a decent amount.

Hmmm, never tried that method. I'll try when I swap pans weekend after next.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Yeah this is why it’s important to do a pan drain every 30K. It keeps the fluid in good condition. If you do this you should never need to do a complete exchange as long as the fluid stays “Red”. Keep in mind the OE fluid isn’t red like aftermarket fluids like Amsoil or RedLine. If your Bronco is in warranty it’s a good idea to use the OE fluid just in case you need warranty work. I have seen Nissan deny warranty because the CVT fluid was “RED”. It’s a touchy subject so why risk it. Use the OE fluid until it’s out of warranty. JM

There is little, if anything, to be gained (plenty to be lost such as your warranty) by using anything other than OEM or Ford approved fluid and as of this date there are only 3:

 

[CarbonSteel]

Helps a lot if you have the time to let it sit and drain as long as possible also.
There are some at work that I'll pull the pan and the filter to do some type of repair, it'll sit over night and I'll need ~10 quarts or so to get it back to the correct level the next day.
I don't know the numbers for that amount, but I'd guess it would cut it down a decent amount.

The Ford tech told me the pan holds about 5QTs and the filter itself as well as the amount that drops when it is pulled is about another 1QT (which is where I can up with the 6.1 QTs in the formula).
If you have a better number, let me know and I will edit the spreadsheet.

 

[Ducati1098]

The Ford tech told me the pan holds about 5QTs and the filter itself as well as the amount that drops when it is pulled is about another 1QT (which is where I can up with the 6.1 QTs in the formula).
If you have a better number, let me know and I will edit the spreadsheet.

Yeah that sounds correct if the pan is dropped, filter replaced and the pan put back up right away. All I'm saying is the longer you let it sit with the pan and filter off, the more that the transmission will drain out. The exact amount depends on how long it sits for.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Yeah that sounds correct if the pan is dropped, filter replaced and the pan put back up right away. All I'm saying is the longer you let it sit with the pan and filter off, the more that the transmission will drain out. The exact amount depends on how long it sits for.

Gotcha. OK, I modified the sheet to have 3 tabs (6.1 QTs drained, 7.1 QTs drained, and 8.1 QTs drained).

This should provide a general idea of how many dump and fills are needed based upon the amount drained to get below 10% old fluid.

 

[toymaster]

Got the $50 pan. Have to say I'm very pleased, no less quality than the original and the drain plug is very suitable, as the bronze/alloy is molded into the pan and the drain plug is metal with machine threads. I would say the only reason why the factory does not do this is cost savings.

The pan bottom is sloped so if the vehicle is parked level then the drain is in the lowest part of pan however the molded lip around the plug will cause fluid to not fully drain. I would guess ~1/4 quart of so would be left.

 

[Reidt131]

Got the $50 pan. Have to say I'm very pleased, no less quality than the original and the drain plug is very suitable, as the bronze/alloy is molded into the pan and the drain plug is metal with machine threads. I would say the only reason why the factory does not do this is cost savings.

The pan bottom is sloped so if the vehicle is parked level then the drain is in the lowest part of pan however the molded lip around the plug will cause fluid to not fully drain. I would guess ~1/4 quart of so would be left.

Did the mating surface seem flat? Or if you have it installed, any issues?

 

[toymaster]

Did the mating surface seem flat? Or if you have it installed, any issues?

Yes it was flat, just like the OEM one, made by the same tier one supplier.

 

[Fonz54]

Yes it was flat, just like the OEM one, made by the same tier one supplier.

While the Mishimotto transmission plan is sweet and well made there is one hell of a delta in price, $326 vs $59!

 

[Fonz54]

While the Mishimotto transmission plan is sweet and well made there is one hell of a delta in price, $326 vs $59!

In addition, with the money I save, I can buy some diff covers with drain and fill plugs. Cheers1

 

[broadicustomworks]

I have no issues with the plastic Dorman with the drain plug. Changed my fluid back late April/early May.
No drip, leaks, or issues.

 

[Felix808]

Without a drain plug a pan drop is needed for a fluid change or a filter change. I watched a tech change the fluid/filter on a 10R60 in a 2.7L and it is both a PITA and a very messy task.

To avoid such a mess you can drill a 1/4" or so hole in the pan if you are replacing it. While it will take much longer, it will be a lot less mess & more controlled

 

[Aonarch]

Without a drain plug a pan drop is needed for a fluid change or a filter change. I watched a tech change the fluid/filter on a 10R60 in a 2.7L and it is both a PITA and a very messy task. I would opine that you will smell burning fluid for a WHILE after the change as it splashes everywhere no matter how careful you are.

For me, it would make sense to go to an aluminum pan and change the filter at the same time. Then to your point, changing the fluid is a piece of cake from that point forward (aside from the burnt skin that you may acquire courtesy of the exhaust pipe near the dipstick).

To your point about how much fluid is needed to have all "new" fluid, provided you dump about 6.1 QTs per change (which is what the Ford tech told me) it will take about 24 QTs to go below 10% old fluid:

This is why I do simple 20k drain and fill intervals on all of my automatic vehicles. Helps keep the fluid fresh enough, isn't expensive, since I generally am only putting in 4-6 quarts of ATF.

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