Emilie Meyer
Deep transmission pans are a common upgrade for those looking to improve the performance of their vehicles, especially when it comes to towing or hauling heavy loads. They are known to provide additional fluid capacity, which can help distribute heat more effectively and prevent the transmission fluid from overheating. This is particularly beneficial for diesel transmissions, which tend to operate at suboptimal temperature levels. While some users have reported noticeable improvements in temperature control, others have found that it made little difference compared to a stock pan. The price of these pans can also be a factor, with some opting for cheaper alternatives or DIY solutions. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a deep transmission pan depends on individual needs and budgets, as well as the specific characteristics of the vehicle in question.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Deep transmission pans can be expensive. Prices range from $27 to $300. |
| Heat Dissipation | Deep transmission pans can help keep temperatures low, especially when towing or in hot climates. |
| Fluid Capacity | Deep pans have a larger fluid capacity, which can help distribute heat and prevent the fluid from cooking. |
| Drain Plug | Most deep pans come with a drain plug, which is convenient for maintenance and prevents leaks. |
| Filter | Some deep pans come with a filter, while others require a separate purchase of an extended filter. |
| Performance | Deep pans may not significantly impact performance, but can provide peace of mind and help protect against heat-related issues. |
| Stiffness | Deep pans, especially those made of cast aluminum, can help stiffen the case and prevent flexing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Deep transmission pans can help to keep transmission temperatures low
- They can be expensive, but may save money on transmission fluid in the long run
- They may not be effective at cooling unless you also have a filter extension
- They can be more effective with a heat exchanger
- They can be more effective with a drain plug
Deep transmission pans can help to keep transmission temperatures low
Deep transmission pans are a worthwhile investment if you have a cranked-up motor or a looser converter. They are also useful in off-road situations where you encounter steep side hills and hard climbs. The extra fluid capacity in a deep transmission pan means that heat is distributed through more fluid, and it will take longer for the fluid to heat up. This is especially important because once transmission fluid cooks, it loses its lubricating properties.
A user with a Derale deep pan on their 07 48RE reported that they did not notice any difference in transmission temperature between the Derale and the stock pan. However, another user with a B&M deep pan reported that it noticeably helped to keep their transmission temperatures low, even when hot lapping on the freeway all day or driving in San Francisco, which has large hills that are hard on the transmission.
Another user with a GM deep truck pan reported that their cruising transmission temperatures were 15-20 degrees lower than with a stock pan. This user also noted that the deep pan helped to stiffen the case, as cast aluminum will not flex like stamped steel.
Deep transmission pans can also be useful when towing. A user with a ''15 GMC Denali reported that after upgrading their truck with a 50 horsepower tune and larger wheels and tires, installing a PPE deep transmission pan resulted in an overall drop in transmission temperature of about 20 degrees.
While some users have reported success in keeping transmission temperatures low with deep pans, others have found that they do not make a significant difference. It is important to consider the specific use case and consult with experts or mechanics before making a decision.
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$232.25
They can be expensive, but may save money on transmission fluid in the long run
Deep transmission pans can be expensive, but they may save money on transmission fluid in the long run. They can also provide peace of mind and help to keep your vehicle's transmission temperatures low.
For example, a user with a Derale deep pan on their 07 48RE reported that they had not noticed any difference in transmission temperature compared to a stock pan. However, another user with a B&M deep pan reported that it noticeably helped keep their transmission temperatures low, even when hot lapping on the freeway or driving in San Francisco, which has steep hills that can be hard on the transmission.
Another user with a PML transmission pan on their F150 reported that they had zero transmission troubles at 280,000 miles and 50,000 OCI's. This user also noted that their pan had a magnet in the drain plug, which helps to trap particles and prevent trouble down the line.
Some users have also reported that deep transmission pans can be expensive, with one user noting that a cast aluminium deep pan costs nearly $300. However, there are cheaper options available, such as a $27 Dorman pan with a drain plug.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a deep transmission pan depends on various factors, including the vehicle's make and model, the type of driving, and the user's budget. While a deep transmission pan may not be necessary for all vehicles, it can be a worthwhile investment for those with cranked-up motors or loose converters, providing extra insurance against high transmission temperatures.
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They may not be effective at cooling unless you also have a filter extension
Deep transmission pans are often sought as a solution to transmission cooling. However, some users have found that they are not always effective at cooling unless accompanied by other modifications. One user who installed a deep transmission pan on their F150 reported no transmission troubles, but did not comment on cooling. Another user who installed a Derale deep pan on their 07 48RE reported no noticeable difference in transmission temperature.
A common theory is that a small pan allows fluid to be circulated more quickly through the cooler, rather than resting in the pan. This theory suggests that a larger pan may not improve cooling and could even hinder it. However, some users have reported success with deep pans for cooling, particularly in challenging conditions such as steep hills and hard climbs. One user who installed a deep pan in their 07 GMC Denali reported an overall drop of about 20 degrees.
If you are considering a deep transmission pan for cooling purposes, it is important to note that a filter extension may be required to lower the filter and the pickup into the additional fluid. This is especially important for stock filter heights, as using a deep pan without a filter extension could result in the fluid level being too low for the dipstick to read "full". Therefore, if you are primarily concerned with cooling, it may be more effective to focus on upgrading your cooling system or adding an auxiliary cooler with a thermostat.
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They can be more effective with a heat exchanger
Deep transmission pans are a worthwhile investment if you have a cranked-up motor or a looser converter. They are also useful in off-road situations where you encounter steep side hills and hard climbs.
The extra fluid capacity of a deep transmission pan means that heat is distributed through more fluid, and so the fluid takes longer to heat up. This is especially important in diesel transmissions, which are some of the hardest-working automatics. Diesel transmissions rarely operate at optimal temperature levels, especially when towing.
Deep transmission pans can be more effective with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger heats the transmission fluid until it is hotter than the coolant, at which point the roles reverse. This means that the transmission fluid will cool down faster.
One user reported that their deep transmission pan kept their cruising transmission temperatures down by 15-20 degrees. Another user reported that their deep pan was able to keep their transmission temperatures low even when hot lapping their car on the freeway all day.
However, some users have reported that they did not notice any difference in transmission temperature when using a deep pan. One user also noted that a small pan may allow all fluid to be circulated more quickly through the cooler, rather than resting in the pan. Therefore, while a deep pan can be beneficial in certain situations, it is not always necessary and other factors such as the type of coolant and the transmission shift strategy may be more important in keeping transmission temperatures low.
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They can be more effective with a drain plug
Deep transmission pans are a worthwhile investment, particularly if you have a cranked-up motor or a looser converter. They are also useful in off-road situations where you encounter steep side hills and hard climbs.
Most deep transmission pans come with a drain plug, which is a nice feature unless you enjoy a cherry juice bath. Drain plugs are essential for fixing leaks. A magnetic drain plug can be especially useful, as it is designed to trap any particles that might cause trouble down the line.
A user with a GM deep truck pan with a drain plug reports that their cruising transmission temperatures dropped by 15-20 degrees. Another user with a B&M deep pan also reported that their transmission temperatures stayed low, even when hot lapping their car on the freeway all day.
Deep transmission pans are also a good investment if you want to avoid the high cost of transmission fluid replacement. When fluid cooks, it becomes worthless as a lubricant, and a $5K rebuild cost is not ideal.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on your vehicle and your needs. Deep transmission pans can be useful if you have a cranked-up motor or a looser converter. They can also be beneficial if you are in heavy-duty use or off-road situations. However, some people argue that a small pan allows all fluid to be circulated quicker through the cooler instead of resting in the pan.
Deep transmission pans can help to keep transmission temperatures low, especially when towing or in hot environments. They also have a larger fluid capacity, which means fluid will take longer to heat up.
Some recommended deep transmission pans include the PPE pan from Pacific Performance Engineering, the B&M deep pan, the GM deep truck pan, and the Dorman pan.
One potential drawback is the cost, as deep transmission pans can be more expensive than standard pans. Additionally, some people have reported issues with leakage and seepage around the gasket.
Yes, some people suggest that an aftermarket cooler can be just as effective, if not more so, at keeping transmission temperatures low.
