2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Transmissions & Parts

The 8HP70 behind the 2014-2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The EcoDiesel came only with the ZF 8HP70, built by FCA in Kokomo as the TorqueFlite 8 and shifted with the rotary dial on the dash. Ratios run 4.71, 3.14, 2.10, 1.67, 1.29, 1.00, 0.84 and 0.67, with a 3.30 reverse. It uses five clutch packs with only two open in any gear, and the torque converter can lock up in all eight gears. ZF rates it at 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), comfortably above the EcoDiesel's 420 lb-ft.

FCA calls the factory fill lifetime and lists no change interval. The fluid is MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, and the owner's guide warns that using the wrong fluid may affect function. Capacity is listed near 8.8 quarts. The factory pan is plastic with the filter built in, and a coolant-fed heater with a thermal bypass valve keeps the fluid near 180 F. On 4x4 trucks, the transmission feeds a Borg-Warner BW 44-44 on-demand two-speed transfer case with a 2.64 low range.

What fails and why

On these trucks the weak spots sit mostly around the transmission rather than inside it. Owners report that the thermal bypass valve in the transmission heater assembly (Mopar 52014750AD) can stick and keep fluid in the warming loop. Under load, that shows up as transmission temperature climbing past 185-200 F and, in some cases, hot-oil limp mode while towing. A valve stuck the other way shows up as slow warm-up. The reports are anecdotal and vary with use, but they are common enough that aftermarket bypass thermostats are sold specifically for 2014-2020 8HP70/8HP75 Rams.

There is also a recall to know about. Under 14V-161, some 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 trucks built January 24 through February 5, 2014 had a transmission case that may have been machined incorrectly, so the park pawl might not engage and the truck could roll in Park. Dealers inspected those trucks and replaced the transmission as necessary. If you own an early-build 2014 4x4, run the VIN through a recall lookup.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Despite the lifetime label, a fluid-and-pan service with the correct ZF 8&9 Speed ATF before the truck's heavy towing years is a common owner precaution. On the stock setup, the plastic pan carries the filter and magnets, so the pan is replaced as a unit. A cast aluminum aftermarket pan changes that: the PPE pan in this collection pairs with its own replacement filter. For towing heat, an auxiliary fluid cooler adds cooling capacity, and aftermarket bypass thermostats hold the fluid cooler than the factory 180 F loop. If temperatures are already climbing, have the bypass valve checked before you add hardware.

What we carry

Pacific Performance Engineering (PPE) supplies the heavy-duty cast aluminum ZF 8-speed pan, the 228058600 replacement pan filter for trucks running that pan, and the 228053004 ZF8 pan gasket. Mahle adds the W33518 8HP70/8HP75 pan gasket, listed for 2014-2019 EcoDiesels. Mishimoto brings universal transmission fluid coolers, including the MMTC-TF series, the MMTC-SP-13, the fan-equipped MMOC-F and the MMTC-U transmission/power steering cooler, plus the MMOC-OO-17/MMOC-SSO-17 heavy-duty fluid cooler. ATS Diesel Performance has the 402-009-1000 drain plug for ATS pans and differential covers, and Lucas Oil offers its 10418 Multi-Vehicle ATF.

Fitment notes

The EcoDiesel's 8HP70 is not the 845RE used behind the 3.6L gas V6, and parts and fluid capacities differ. The 2020-and-later EcoDiesel uses the 8HP75, so read the year range in every title; the PPE parts here are listed for 2014-2023 and the MAHLE gasket for 2014-2019. The factory approves only MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF in the transmission, so check the label of any multi-vehicle ATF against that requirement before it goes in. Most Mishimoto coolers are universal, so plan the mounting spot and line routing before you order. On 4x4s, the transfer case is the BW 44-44 on-demand unit, not the part-time BW 44-45 used on 3.6L 4x4s, and it takes about 2 quarts of MOPAR BW44-44 fluid.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the fluid in my EcoDiesel's 8-speed?

FCA lists no change interval and calls the factory fill lifetime. Many owners still do a fluid-and-pan service before the truck's heavy towing years as a precaution. Use MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, the only fluid the owner's guide approves; capacity is listed near 8.8 quarts.

Why does my transmission temperature climb when I tow?

Owners report that the thermal bypass valve in the transmission heater (Mopar 52014750AD) can stick and keep fluid in the warming loop, pushing temperatures past 185-200 F under load and sometimes triggering limp mode. Have that valve checked first. Aftermarket bypass thermostats for 2014-2020 8HP70/8HP75 Rams hold the fluid cooler, and an auxiliary cooler adds capacity for towing.

Is the 8HP70 strong enough for the EcoDiesel's torque?

Yes, with room to spare. ZF rates the 8HP70 at 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), and the 2014-2017 EcoDiesel makes 420 lb-ft. The known trouble spots on these trucks are around the transmission, like the heater's bypass valve, rather than the gearbox running out of strength.

Will transmission parts from a gas Ram 1500 fit my EcoDiesel?

Not always. Trucks with the 3.6L V6 got the 845RE, while the EcoDiesel uses the 8HP70, and parts and fluid capacities differ between them. Select 5.7L trucks also used the 8HP70. Match parts by transmission, not just by model year, and confirm by VIN.

Was my 2014 EcoDiesel part of the park-pawl recall?

Recall 14V-161 covered some 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 trucks built January 24 through February 5, 2014, where the transmission case may have been machined so the park pawl might not engage. Dealers inspected those trucks and replaced the transmission as necessary. A VIN recall lookup will tell you whether yours was included.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.