PML Transmission Pans

PML makes transmission pans to address the needs of towing, hauling, off road, recreation, heavy duty, and racing vehicles.

PML makes tranny pans for Dodge, GM, Ford, and Nissan transmissions. This includes the Allison transmission found on GM and Chevrolet trucks. GM and Dodge transmissions fit many makes and models, like Hummer and Jeep so please check below.

The blue text below lists the transmissions we make pans for. Each listing is a link for details and pricing.

Related Products

For a transmission controller, PML recommends COMPUSHIFT by HGM Electronics.

Why Should You Buy a PML Transmission Pan?

A PML transmission oil pan will save you time and money with:

• Cooling
• Easier maintenance
• Strength
• Leak free seal
• Hardware

A PML Transmission Pan Provides Cooling

Transmissions and transmission repairs are expensive and heat is the biggest enemy of the transmission. Automatic transmissions use oil to shift gears. If the transmission oil gets too hot, it breaks down and the result is a damaged transmission or a transmission that has a shorter life. A PML transmission pan has helps cool transmission fluid in these ways:

1. Extra fluid capacity. If there is more oil in the transmission, there is more oil to absorb heat.
2. Aluminum construction. Aluminum conducts heat quickly so that heat is transferred from the oil to the air. Most stock pans are steel and aluminum has a much higher heat conductivity than steel.
3. Fins. Fins increase the surface area of the pan so there is more area for heat transfer out of the oil into the air.
4. Boss for temperature sensor. To monitor the transmission fluid, some folks install a temperature sensor. Since most people do not use a temperature sensor, PML does not machine a hole for a sensor on every pan. There is a boss where a hole can be machined. PML can do the machining (extra cost) or you can machine it yourself or take it to a local machine shop. The boss accommodates various size gages from 1/8 to ½ inch NPT. Some other aftermarket pans are pre-drilled with a particular thread size, which adds cost for those who do not use a sensor and maybe the wrong size for those who do.

When high temperatures cause transmission fluid to lose its ability to lubricate, wear and tear on the transmission increases. If the temperature gets above 250°F, the rubber seals harden then leaks start to occur. ATF manufacturers suggest that for every 20° above 175°F, the life of the transmission is reduced by half. Keeping the transmission cool is especially a concern for vehicles in harsh driving conditions such as towing or hauling, climbing hills, and repeated shifting.

A common question people ask is how much lower will the fluid temperature be with a PML pan. We don't know. Everyone has specific driving conditions and there is a huge variety of vehicles. It isn't feasible for us to test so many vehicles and configurations. Customers that have temperature sensors have reported 20-30 degree (F) drops in oil temperatures. If your transmission oil is looking brown or smells burnt, it's getting too hot. An aftermarket pan is an easy and inexpensive way to cool.

A PML Transmission Oil Pan Makes Maintenance Easier

A PML transmission oil pan has a drain hole and plug so the fluid can be easily drained. A drain hole makes changing the transmission fluid easier, saving you time. And if you decide to change the fluid yourself, you save money. Draining and replacing the fluid at regular intervals extends the life of the transmission.

The plug included with a the transmission pan is magnetic. The magnetic drain plug traps metal particles in the fluid which can cause wear.

A PML Transmission Pan Adds Strength

The thick wall sand-cast aluminum construction adds strength to the transmission case. Here is a story from one of our customers, Sharadon Performance:

"I build performance 545rfe transmissions. I had a customer break the case in half at 2nd gear. (built motor w/turbo)"

"Obviously it (the transmission) had a bad leak. But... he drove it another 2500 k (canada) including the drive to the shop 1300 k... When I got under the truck I noticed the crack. So I pulled it out. Put it on a engine stand to hold it upright. Pulled the pan, the crack got bigger... pulled the valve body... The trans fell apart. I know the PML pan made this possible. The stock pan would never have held up to this."

A PML Transmission Pan Provides a Leak Free Seal

The gasket flange on a transmission pan is precision-machined and thick. It will not bend when bolts are tightened. And the surface is machined completely flat. So a PML transmission pan provides a secure, leak free seal. The thick flange is intended for use with the stock gaskets. Do not use an expensive reusable gasket with a PML pan. These gaskets are intended for use with thin stock pans which flex when the bolts are tightened and conform to the reusable gasket. A PML pan will not flex at all.

A PML Transmission Pan Includes Mounting Hardware

Mounting hardware and a drain plug are included with the transmission pan. If you have PML machine a temperature sensor, a plug for the gage will also be included.

Stock bolts will not work since the flange is much thicker. Some aftermarket pans do not include the mounting bolts, so you have to order them separately or make a quick trip to the hardware store. Hopefully before you removed your stock pan.

PML designed its transmission pans to use the stock gasket and filter. You can get these inexpensively and easily. PML does not design pans that require filter extensions since these add an extra location that can fail and leak and add cost. PML recommends against reusable gaskets as these can be easily damaged and nicked, causing leaks. Reuseable gaskets are also expensive.

Summary

Features vary somewhat from pan to pan so please read carefully about the pan for your vehicle. Generally, a PML transmission pan features:

• Increased oil capacity, aluminum material, and raised fins for cooler oil temperatures
• Boss cast into pan can be machined for various size temperature sensors
• Magnetic drain plug for easier maintenance
• Thick wall sand cast construction to add strength to the transmission case
• Machined gasket surface with a thick flange for a secure seal
• Mounting hardware provided
• Works with stock gasket and filter
• Designs for cars, trucks, SUVs, and motor homes
• Available in as-cast aluminum, black powder coated, and polished finishes

PML does not feature our logo or name on our pans, just solid design and construction.

Keep it cool, keep it clean, keep it alive.