8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2014-2017 Ram 1500

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Verify you have the rotary dial gear selector on the dashboard (column or console shifters indicate a 6-speed 65RFE transmission).
• Verify the 8th digit of your VIN is 'T' (indicating the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine).
• Verify your truck is a four-wheel-drive (4x4) model with a front driveshaft and transfer case.
• Crawl under the driver's side and check the metal ID tag/sticker on the rear lower side of the transmission case to confirm it says '8HP70'.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• Low-profile or cut-down 10mm Allen wrench / 8mm and 10mm hex bits
• Fluid transfer pump
• Advanced OBD2 scan tool (e.g., AlfaOBD or professional diagnostic tablet) capable of reading real-time transmission fluid temperature and initiating TCM Quick Learn

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Mopar 8 & 9 Speed ATF (Part #68218925AB) or ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid (7 to 9.5 quarts depending on dry fill vs service fill)
• New transmission pan assembly with integrated filter (Mopar Part #68225344AA or equivalent)
• New torque converter seal (front pump/input shaft seal)
• New transmission pan bolts (OEM bolts are often one-time use)
• Transmission cooler line flush solvent

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: VIN-specific programming and TCM Adaptive Relearn (Quick Learn)

The internal TCM is VIN-locked to the vehicle's security system. You must either have a professional program the replacement TCM to match your truck's VIN (using tools like wiTECH or J2534 passthrough), or swap your original valve body/TCM assembly into the replacement transmission. In either case, a 'Quick Learn' adaptive reset must be performed.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Must click and drop back three distinct times. If not fully seated, tightening the bellhousing bolts will instantly crush and crack the internal oil pump.
• Exhaust Crossover Pipe Obstruction: Blocks access to several pan bolts and the fill plug. Must unbolt the transmission mount and jack the transmission up 1.5 to 2 inches to gain clearance.
• Strict Fluid Leveling Procedure: No dipstick. Must check with engine running, pan completely level, and fluid temperature strictly between 86°F and 122°F (30°C to 50°C). Checking hot results in severe underfill.
• Plastic Pan Torque Specs: Pan bolts require a specific star-pattern sequence and must be torqued to exactly 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft) to prevent cracking the plastic pan.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Using the wrong fluid: Putting standard Mopar ATF+4 or generic multi-vehicle fluid in the ZF 8HP70 will cause immediate clutch slippage and permanent damage.
• Skipping the programming step: Assuming the unit is plug-and-play without programming the replacement TCM or swapping the original valve body, causing the vehicle to lock in Park or enter limp mode.
• Checking fluid level on a warm engine: Checking above 130°F leads to severe underfilling due to fluid expansion.
• Forcing the bellhousing bolts: Using bolts to draw the transmission to the engine when the torque converter is misaligned, cracking the pump housing.
• Failing to verify 4x4 drivetrain: Ordering a 4x4 unit for a 4x2 truck or vice versa.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: