Transmission Pan, Dodge 68RFE, 545RFE, 45RFE, With Step and Relief, Deep, Black, Powder Coated

Volume: 2 quarts over stock

Dimensions: are in this file. This pan is about 2½ inches taller than stock.

Number of Bolts: 15

Description and Applications

This PML extra capacity heavy duty transmission oil pan fits the Dodge RFE series of transmissions, such as the 68RFE, 545RFE, and 45RFE. It is designed specifically for trucks and SUVs with exhaust or cross member interference.

This pan features:

• Extra capacity
• Follows shape of stock pan for exhaust and frame clearance
• Fins and aluminum construction to dissipate heat from transmission fluid
• Drain plug for easier maintenance
• Thick walls to add strength to the transmission housing
• Thick gasket flange, machined flat, for a leak-free seal
• Clearance for cross members and exhausts

PML designed this pan for vehicles with one of the Dodge RFE transmissions and the exhaust or cross frame members close to the stock pan. Configurations vary so always check your vehicle to verify transmission and clearance. Here are some examples of vehicles that have installed this pan:

• Dodge Trucks and SUVs:
• Dakota with 4.7 V8, 4WD, 2000 – 2004
• Dakota with 3.7 V6, 2004
• Dakota with 4.7 V8, 2005 – 2010
• Durango with 4.7 V8, 4WD, 2000 – 2003
• Durango with 5.7 V8, 2004 – 2009
• Ram 1500 with Hemi, 2006 to 2015, 4, 5 or 6 speed transmission
• Ram 2500 with Hemi, 2003 to 2015, 4, 5 or 6 speed transmission
• Ram 3500 with Hemi, 2003 to 2015, 4, 5 or 6 speed transmission

Trucks and SUVs have a variety of configurations. Look at yours before you order to verify your transmission and clearance.

2014 and newer diesel engine trucks: Ram routes cooler lines under the stock pan on these trucks. See PML part number 10304.

Jeep owners: Check carefully. These Jeep vehicles most likely have this transmission do not have enough clearance for a larger transmission pan:

• On most 2005 to 2010 4.7 or 5.7 Grand Cherokee WK and Commander XK, the exhaust is too close on the passenger side, front corner. The exhaust is difficult to re-route. A 2005 4.7 Grand Cherokee 4x4 and a 2007 Commander 4.7 4x4 could not install this pan. See the picture of an attempted installation at the bottom of this web page.
• On most 2011 to 2013 Grand Cherokee WK2 5.7, the front frame cross member and skid plate are close to the stock transmission pan and there is no extra space for a larger aftermarket pan.
• On a 2002 Liberty 3.7 V6, the exhaust is probably too close on the passenger side, front corner.

Dakota Owners and those with front routed exhaust: Other aftermarket pans have the step but not the curved relief for vehicles with the exhaust routed along the front of the pan. This pan has both. For a picture, see the installation on a Dakota below.

PML makes four different pans for the Dodge RFE transmission series (45RFE, 5-45RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE, 68RFE). The stock pans and filters are also shown in the image below for reference.

Note: This pan works with the "4WD" filter only since it follows the shape of the stock "4WD" transmission oil pan.

Filter and Gasket Information

Stock "4WD" filter and pan at left. Filter and pan now used on 2WD and 4WD vehicles.

Stock "2WD" filter and pan at left. Seen more commonly on 2006 and older trucks.

See the location of the pick-up on the filters and the corresponding location on the stock pans? For the "2WD" filter, the pick up would hit the bottom of the "4WD" pan.

For PML part numbers 10304 and 11039, you can use either filter.

For PML part numbers 11078 and 11079, you must use the "4WD" filter as the step in the pan will not accommodate a 2WD filter. Thanks to Eric who provided part numbers for 4WD filters that will work:

• OEM: 5013470AB
• Fleetguard: TF15072
• FRAM: FT1223
• WIX: 58843 (kit)

The filter referred to as the 2WD filtter, has a short inlet pipe toward the rear of the filter. The other filter is called a 4WD filter and the inlet tube is longer and toward the center of the filter. We have been told that around 2007 Dodge began using 4WD filters and pans on 2WD vehicles.

PML pans for Dodge RFE transmissions work with stock filters, easily available from your favorite auto parts store or dealer.

The filter bolts on to the valve body as shown in above images. The filter does not use the pan for support so the pan does not need filter supports in it.

A filter extension or tube is not needed since the fluid will be at the same level with a stock pan as with the PML pan. The filter will pick up from the same place with the stock pan or with a PML pan. PML designs pans and covers to work with stock parts without the need for additional modifications or complications.

For a gasket, PML recommends an inexpensive cork or cork composite type gasket or the silicon gasket maker. Some Dodge vehicles use the Mopar silicon gasket maker, which comes in a tube, with the stock pan. This works fine with a PML pan.

An example of a cork gasket is Transmaxx 72300, shown below.

         
Click on a small image to view larger in a new tab or window.

Information is for reference only. Installer should verify transmission, filter, and fitment based on the individual vehicle.

Baffles

Cast-in baffles control sloshing, act as a heat sink and direct the fluid to the filter pick-up. Image shows the inside of the pan.

The filter attaches to the valve body of the transmission so no filter supports or extensions are needed.

Optional Machining for Temperature Sending Unit

This pan has a location on the driver's side that can be machined for use with aftermarket sensors and gages. The location is a circular boss and can accommodate between 1/8 NPT and 1/2 NPT. PML can drill and tap the hole to order for a $45 machining charge.

PML Transmission Pan Compared to Stock

    
Click on image to view larger.

These images show this PML transmission pan compared to the stock pan.

Installations

Dakota 2006 V8 with PML Transmission Pan

PML Dodge transmission pan installed on a Dodge Dakota, 2006, V8.

In the picture you can see the exhaust on the right and frame on the left both have clearance. The skid plate is just below the bottom of the pan.

Installation done by Lavender Brothers in Seaside, CA.

Ram 1500 2010 with PML Transmission Pan

Ram 2500 2011 4WD, 5.7L Hemi with PML Transmission Pan

The stock pan is shown on the left and the PML pan is show on the right. This PML pan has plenty of space for the exhaust. See more pictures in the facebook photo album. You do not need to join facebook to view the pictures.

Brian installed the PML Dodge RFE pan with the step on his 2011 Ram 2500. He first thought he might have space for a pan without a step but found that the driver's side had less clearance.

Ram 1500 2006 with PML Transmission Pan

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005 4.7L 4WD 545RFE

Patrick could not get this PML extra capacity pan installed on his 2005 Grand Cherokee. This pan is too tall for his exhaust routing. His exhaust shop said there are too many bends and connections in that area to modify the exhaust routing.

PML's low profile pan was installed on a 2006 Grand Cherokee 4.0L but we do not know if the exhaust routing is the same as this 2005.

PML Transmission Pan Features

• Increased oil capacity for cooler temperatures
• Sand-cast aluminum with raised fins
• 3/16-inch thick wall construction to add strength to the transmission case
• 3/8-inch 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
• Drain hole and magnetic drain plug for easier, less messy maintenance

All PML transmission pans ship with new mounting bolts and a magnetic drain plug.

If you would like PML to machine your pan for a temperature sending unit, there is an additional charge of $45 .

Find out why you should buy a PML transmission pan.

Learn more about finishes and construction of PML parts.

For a larger picture, please click on one of the above images. A separate window or tab will open showing a bigger picture. (The larger pictures take a minute to display.)