8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2015-2019 Ram 1500, Classic

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

• Confirm engine is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (8th digit of VIN is 'M').
• Confirm drivetrain is 4x4 (four-wheel drive).
• Locate transmission identification tag on the left-hand side near the oil pan rail to confirm model is 8HP70.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Transmission jack
• Scan tool capable of reading transmission fluid temperature
• Scan tool capable of performing transmission adaptation reset/drive learn
• Extensive socket/wrench sets (14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 18mm)
• Torque wrench
• Wobble extensions
• Fluid pump for refilling

Budget for these consumables at install:

• ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid (or Mopar 8 & 9 Speed ATF, Pentosin ATF 8, Red Line D6 ATF meeting Shell L12108 spec)
• 8 to 10 quarts of ATF fluid (dry fill is ~8.5 to 9.0 quarts / 8.8 liters)
• Replacement plastic oil pan assembly (includes integrated filter, gasket, and new pan bolts)
• Input shaft seal (torque converter seal / front pump seal)
• Rear output shaft seal (where transfer case mounts)
• Engine rear main seal (highly recommended while transmission is removed)
• Professional transmission cooler and line flush

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

What’s involved: TCM VIN Write, Adaptive Relearn (Quicklearn), and Drive Adaptation Learn

sources differ: Arm 1 states VIN lock can be resolved via aftermarket tools (AlfaOBD/Appcar DiagFCA with OBDLink MX+) or by swapping the original valve body/TCM. Arm 2 states a dealer-level tool (wiTECH) is required for software flashing/updates, though some advanced aftermarket scanners can perform the adaptive relearn. On disagreement, dealer_tool_required is set to false as DIY/aftermarket options exist for basic installation, but dealer tools are required for official software updates.

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

• Torque Converter Seating: Must feel three distinct clicks/drops when seating. If not fully seated, bolting to the engine will crack the front pump and destroy the transmission instantly.
• Fluid Fill Procedure: No dipstick. Must check and fill from the side plug with engine running, transmission level, and fluid temperature strictly between 30°C and 50°C (86°F to 122°F) using a scan tool to monitor live temperature.
• Thermal Bypass Valve (Thermostat): If original transmission overheated, the thermostat in the cooling lines likely stuck closed. Must replace thermostat or install a thermal bypass delete kit.
• Bellhousing Dowel Pins: Ensure alignment dowel pins are present on the engine block and not doubled up or missing, which causes misalignment, vibration, pump failure, or a cracked bellhousing.
• Plastic Oil Pan Torque: The plastic pan is easily cracked. Inspect for shipping damage and torque bolts to correct spec (~8 Nm / 71 in-lbs) in a criss-cross pattern.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Ordering for the wrong engine (trying to bolt this 3.0L EcoDiesel unit to a 5.7L Hemi or 3.6L Pentastar).
• Ordering a 2WD transmission for a 4WD truck or vice versa (different output shafts and tailhousings).
• Reusing the old plastic pan/filter or buying a cheap aftermarket pan that warps and leaks.
• Using incorrect fluid like standard ATF+4 or generic multi-vehicle ATF instead of ZF Lifeguard 8 spec.
• Failing to perform the temperature-specific fill procedure, leading to severe underfilling.
• Not flushing the cooler lines, which recontaminates the new transmission with metal shavings from the previous failure.
• Skipping the TCM adaptive relearn procedure, resulting in harsh shifts and slipping.

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: