Transmission Confusion 😤

[Ramsey#1]

Ok I’m totally confused about the oil life or change requirements for the ZF 8 speed. Some say lifetime oil. Others say something else. HELP. And can any trans shop do a fluid change? Thanks in advance

 

[1shadowsabre]

Ram says lifetime fluid but the transmission manufacturer recommends a fluid and filter change is what I understand. Many knowledgeable folks seem to change their fluid and filter between 60,000 and a 100,000 miles depending on your use.
The process seems doable for an average mechanic but their is a "process" that needs to be adhered to so I would be careful with any old shop.

 

[Ramsey#1]

Thanks I will have to find a good shop near me

 

[Ramsey#1]

So I had my transmission fluid changed with the factory oil and pan at 82,000. The oil looked like Coca Cola with some very small shavings. 2 weeks later it would not go in reverse. So off to Chrysler or what ever they are now and fortunately I had 13000 miles of warranty left. So after 9 weeks I finally got my truck back after mentioning the lemon laws here in california. Remember if it’s not fixed in 30 days they are supposed to buy it back. They offered me an extended bumper to bumper warranty as compensation for the 9 weeks without my truck. So moral of the story is wait till it brakes

 

[John Jensen]

Ram says the tranny has lifetime oil. I have read that Ram's lifetime means 100,000 miles. I have also read that the tranny manufacturer recommends a 50-60,000 miles oil change.
If having a tranny shop do the oil change I suggest you print out the Ram tranny oil change process and oil specs to give to the shop doing the work.