PML, Inc. Transmission Pan
Installation for the ’02 - ’05 HEMI RAM 1500/2500/3500 (2WD or 4X4)
By Mark Simonds (MrHemi)
Virginia Beach, Virginia
The folks at PML, Inc. have done it again! We have all seen their outstanding differential covers… which is a functional work of art (check out the PML differential cover install article at http://www.hemitruckclub.com/pmlmark.htm). Now PML has made a transmission pan to match their differential covers! These sand-cast aluminum transmission covers are a significant improvement over the stock pan… increased fluid capacity and great looks are just a couple of reasons why this should be your next mod!
As soon as I heard that PML had these new transmission pans available, I had to get my hands on one. With the help of my friends at DynoTuned Performance, Inc., installation of the pan took less than two hours… and as you can tell from the below picture, the old pan was nothing to get excited about, so it was time to replace it!
The installation of the PML transmission pan couldn’t have come at a better time… it was time to change the original transmission fluid and filters, so basically we killed two birds with one stone. We started by lifting the truck up on the lift (this install can also be done in the driveway utilizing ramps). The 15 stock 8mm bolts were removed, and making sure an oil drain pan was underneath, we carefully pried the stock pan off with a screwdriver.
The transmission fluid was drained, and the old gasket material (RTV) was scraped off the mounting surface of the transmission. There are two filters used in this Dodge transmission – Mopar part numbers 04799662 and 05015267AZ. We replaced the filters, placed a 1/8” bead of RTV on the new PML pan (allowing the RTV to cure slightly), and then buttoned it all back up. The PML pan comes with new Hex Key bolts which should be torqued to 8 ft lbs. One look at the below picture, and you can see the difference between the stock pan and the new PML pan.
There are a couple of reasons why I love this new transmission pan… first and foremost, it allows for an additional THREE quarts of transmission fluid. More fluid means less heat. Second, PML has designed the pan to incorporate a magnetic drain plug – very handy! And finally, PML, Inc. provides a service that very few transmission cover manufactures offer – for a very small additional charge, they will drill and tap a hole for a temperature sensor or gauge. As you can see in this picture, I took advantage of that option and installed a transmission temperature gauge!
I am very pleased with the new transmission cover – high quality material, fits perfectly, and looks great. Here’s a summary of the features of the PML transmission pan:
· Increased oil capacity with deep pans for reduced oil temperature
· Sand-cast aluminum with raised fins
· Thick wall construction to add strength to transmission case
· Thick gasket flange will not bend when bolts are tightened
· Machined gasket surface for a secure seal
· Boss cast into pan can be machined for a temperature sensor
· Magnetic drain plug for easier, less messy maintenance
All PML pans are available in As-Cast Aluminum, Powder-Coated, or Polished Finishes. Price varies with finish. For more information, please go to the PML web site at http://www.yourcovers.com
