External Trans Filter (pics): save your transmission !

Hey Van Fans:

I've been talking for the last month about the latest practical addition to our 1996 B-2500 van (318 / 46 RE trans) - an external spin-on element Transmission filter by Perma Cool. Cost: $ 30 from Summitracing.com, uses standard type Fram PH-8A elements.

Chrysler transmissions don't have to die early - according to the research I've done on the forum archives. Give 'em fresh ATF- hopefully Synthetic ATF - the new AFT +4 is a synthetic, keep it cool, keep it clean, and the trans may last nearly forever.

For our van, I did this:

External Trans Cooler (Hayden)
External Trans Filter - (Perma Cool)
Derale Cooling Pan w/ drain plug:
(special air tubes cool fluid + 3 qt increase in capacity)
Synthetic Red-Line fluid (Redline or Valvoline ATF +4)

I think that's all I could do - pan & fliter increase capacity by 4 quarts, and it all runs cooler to boot.

After the first flush I noted tons of gunky fibrous material (from clutch faces wearing, I'm told...) that clogged the funnel screen - now that stuff is being caught by the external filter, not clogging the trans internals !

This all cost a few hundred to do, a bit of time. But isn't it a worthwhile investment to save $$$ on a new trans ?

I don't say this is the only place to mount a trans filter, but I think space is very limited - a variety of factors need to be considered, hose run length, avoiding the drive belt, etc. This location seemed best to me: driver's side wheel well, several inches forward of the tire.

It's been on now for 3 weeks, no problem.

Happy to answer any questions you have.....thanks David B

Sweet Dave!

I'll get one of those for my van one of these days.

I wonder if I could just add the filter in-line with the existing tranny cooler for my 2001 B2500 5.2L?

nice job

I wonder if there is a application for us 3.9 guys (I don't tow anything, but figured, what the heck, if it make the tranny last longer ...... right ? ?

I'm sure you could RAM MAN, those kits are universal.

Nice set up you have there David.

Nate, you won't be sorry. Your trans may have no current issues (mine was acting VERY badly), but adding one could 'head (potential problems) off at the pass' for mere pennies.

I'm convinced the lack of such a cheap device is due to:

1) MFR cost cutting - if they don't HAVE to supply it they don't
2) We make MONEY fixing these things - self evident, eh ?

Ram Man: No problem - your trans is the same or similar to ours right ? (which trans do you have ?) You might have easier access to put it somewhere else due to the shorter engine.

Stev: You mean the stock cooler in the lower radiator tank, right ?

Again, no problem. If you use the fenderwell mounting position I outlined, (and have no external cooler, as I do), then your 'out of trans cooler RETURN to trans line' (on drivers side of radiator) would simply go to the IN of the filter, then run a line from the OUT back to hook into the 'RETURN to trans line'. Simple.

Imagine my delight when after installing the filter & draining the pan (whereupon re-installing that Derale Cooler pan & SYN ATF +4 fluid), these missed / funny shifts, hunting between 3 & OD & refusal to hold OD on ANY incline have disappeared. Way cool !

I mean, our van must have had 'FUTURE AMMCO CUSTOMER' stenciled in bold print on both sides.
Hopefully, not anymore !

Plus my son & and I have lots of fun doing these projects together ! He's 10 and it's like we do auto shop classes together. He has more fun working on the Ram van & truck than playing in the dirt.....

One installation note I forgot: I drilled the holes for the lines to pierce the bumper support brace and used a hard bushing (delrin, I think) that 'clicks' into the hole, then hose goes through. I didn't want to drag the main hoses on the underside of said brace, or to risk 'kinking' them over the brace. Going through seemed best - at least in my chosen mounting position.

thanks DB

3 spd auto

thanks

Originally Posted by RAM MAN

3 spd auto

thanks

Oh, I meant like "46RE" or somesuch.....

DB

PS: been researching the Fastman TB - gotta do it soon !

RamVanMan,

Yes, I got the stock cooler in the rad side tank. If adding the filter is a good thing, then I'll do it to the B2500 5.2L (318cid) and also my B1500 3.9L (238cid). I tow with both.

I may place my filter back near the tranny next to the under frame emisson canisters. There is one extra slot there to mount to. This way, no extra drilling for me and is very easy to change without removing a tire. (these vans have so many lug nuts!)

RamMan, as you can see, I got both the B2500 3/4-ton and the B1500 1/2-ton.

Stev

Hey Stev:

Sounds like a good mounting position ! I think the Perma Cool rep told me you could run 6 feet no problem with no loss of fluid pressure.

When you do this, can you post some pics ?

Also, can you resend me that email you sent earlier - can't find it (or send it as a PM if you prefer) thanks !

DB