545rfe filter and trans fluid

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Mopar44134

Mopar44134

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Any recommendations on which filter kit is good for a 2002 Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 awd and 545rfe. Rock auto has the wix it for $30. The ATP kit is $17. Duralast $19. ATF +4 is $35 for 5 quarts. To be honest, the thought of spending almost $100 for a filter and fluid change is bothering me. lol Cheap insurance i know. also picking up a new pan as the old one has some serious rust. This jeep will be around or while. body and fram are solid. 150k. My dakota has the same drive train, but with 215k. its due too.
 
That's a good price for a Wix, I would think that the mark-up at a parts store would be 50% more. Wix would be my go to filter.

The $35 for fluid is about as low as you'll get in a quality oil. However you didn't mention which brand you're considering.

I have a 46RE in my magnum swap and uses the same oil. I found some Valvoline ATF +4 at my local Walmart for $6.99 a quart, whereas the same brand at the parts house was selling for $9.50 a quart.

So if you can source your filter and fluid in one place at them prices I would do it.

Don't monkey around with the off brands, you may end up doing it twice due to poor quality control standards.

Yes, $100 is a pinch especially now, but its well worth it.
 
Like Tinmannz says, watch off brands. I worked in the industry, and go for an oem brand, not something off shore.
Filterteck, and Sealed Power are two OEM brands that come to mind. Also, why not check with your local dealer and see what they want for one.
Don't let price be your only guide, ' cause you only get what you pay for.
I know times are tough for all of us, but spending a hundred bucks for a quality filter and quality oil is a whole lot cheaper than redoing you transmission.
jmho
 
Changing five quarts of fluid in a system that holds what eleven really isn't going to clean anything or improve anything except to replace some of the seal softening and friction protection additives. If you really want to get a lot of old fluid out and there's no converter drain plug, then loosen the valve body bolts and the converter will drain down over halfway. But if the fluid is clean and there's nothing in the pan, it's all really a waste of money when you could just dump in a bit of trans additive. If there is any debris and the fluid is dirty, then the trans is worn, and the next phase is particles clogging the filter and loss of pressure; which is the real enemy of a trans. I usually change the filter and dump the same fluid back in; with some additive. These shops that change the fluid without changing the filter are doing a huge disservice.
 
I was going to use Mopar atf. ill check for a drain plug on the torque converter. Getting as much fluid out as possible. Not sure if ill drop the valve body. Ive read 8 qts when dropping the pan. I was going to pick up 2 5qt jugs. Thanks!
 
Mopar44134 said:
Is Mopar atf+4 a good brand?
Click to expand...
I don't know who Mopar buys from, but IMHO, for the price, you'll do just as good if not better buying Valvoline ATF +4. Save yourself a few bucks.

I guess I should ask, is the Mopar brand from the dealer? I have seen the Mopar brand on the shelf at our local Walmart. Big difference in price.
 
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As for the cost, stop and think of this. How many times in 150k miles has the engine oil and filter changed and what did that cost? Now, that $75 ATF fluid/filter change doesn't look all that expensive, does it?
 
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