GEN 1 B&M Dipstick mounting mod and review

[bigrig]

I installed the B&M dipstick along with the AFE Power transmission pan recently. I wanted to have easy access to the dipstick and position it in a way that would make it easy to fill the pan so I fabricated a bracket that bolts to the top shock tower using the existing bolt for the coil over.

Here is what it looks like:







This position worked well for checking the fluid as well as adding fluid when I did the AFE Power transmission pan swap. I would recommend using a funnel when adding fluid through the tube since every once-in-a-while the tube will "burp" up fluid and the funnel will make it so it doesn't make a mess.



A funnel like the one I used can be seen here.

The B&M dipstick was a relatively easy install. Use gloves if your exhaust is hot since the tolerance between the dipstick hole and the exhaust pipes are minimal.

One note about the B&M dipstick, it is very hard to see the fluid line on it when the transmission fluid is clean. I am thinking about drilling a small hole in measuring end so I can get a clear view of the fluid level. We'll see though, maybe a few off-road trips and the tranny will deposit enough gunk in the fluid to register a fluid level mark.

Hope this helps anyone looking to do the install. Happy to answer any questions about it if you have them.

 

[Klavius Morph]

Thanks for the post. I just bought the dipstick kit from Performance Automatic and look forward to installing it. Seems similar but doesn't require any drilling or custom fab work.

 

[bigrig]

Thanks for the post. I just bought the dipstick kit from Performance Automatic and look forward to installing it. Seems similar but doesn't require any drilling or custom fab work.

Send on pictures when you have it done, I would be interested in seeing how the PA dipstick sets up.

 

[Klavius Morph]

Will do. I know the bracket mounts to the firewall via the ground terminal and one other existing bolt.

 

[bigrig]

Will do. I know the bracket mounts to the firewall via the ground terminal and one other existing bolt.

The instructions for the B&M dipstick also have you mount the tube to the firewall. The ground screw you mention can be seen in the picture below; There is a plastic lip on the top of the firewall which I felt would limit access to the tube though. I chose to mount it in the way I did to make it easier add transmission fluid through the tube.

Does the PA dipstick tube come with a bracket that positions it off the firewall or is it like the B&M bracket? Also, it would be cool if you could post a picture of the end of the PA dipstick. I'd like to compare the two; As I noted earlier, reading the fluid level with the B&M dipstick isn't the easiest when the fluid is super clean.

 

[badm0t0rfinger]

The instructions for the B&M dipstick also have you mount the tube to the firewall. The ground screw you mention can be seen in the picture below; There is a plastic lip on the top of the firewall which I felt would limit access to the tube though. I chose to mount it in the way I did to make it easier add transmission fluid through the tube.

Does the PA dipstick tube come with a bracket that positions it off the firewall or is it like the B&M bracket? Also, it would be cool if you could post a picture of the end of the PA dipstick. I'd like to compare the two; As I noted earlier, reading the fluid level with the B&M dipstick isn't the easiest when the fluid is super clean.

The PA does come with mounting plate that doesn't require ******** into the firewall. It is retained by bolts that are already present. I really like your homemade mount.

 

[Raptor 2014]

Just out of curiosity - Did you check the fluid level hight of the B&M against the stock indicator to see if they are equal?

 

[bigrig]

The PA does come with mounting plate that doesn't require ******** into the firewall. It is retained by bolts that are already present. I really like your homemade mount.

If I knew PA made a mount for the dipstick tube before I purchased the B&M one, I would have probably gone that route since I feel that PA products are pretty well made. It would be cool if someone could post a picture of the PA dipstick when they get it installed. (And a picture of the end of the PA dipstick too if that is possible!)

Just out of curiosity - Did you check the fluid level hight of the B&M against the stock indicator to see if they are equal?

The B&M dipstick is constructed of a metal wire with a metal pod-like end that has no markings (pic below). You are required to file a line in the metal pod which matches your current fluid level (assuming that the fluid level is correct).

I matched my line up with what was on the old dipstick to make sure they were the same though just to double check. This was another part of the B&M dipstick that I wasn't super excited about. I would have liked if they added some sort of preexisting marks.

 

[EricM]

I thought mounting the handle portion to a non-engine portion of the truck wasn't ideal? IIRC, the thought is it would be better to mount it on the engine so you aren't constantly flexing the dipstick "tube" as the engine/transmission move.

 

[bigrig]

I thought mounting the handle portion to a non-engine portion of the truck wasn't ideal? IIRC, the thought is it would be better to mount it on the engine so you aren't constantly flexing the dipstick "tube" as the engine/transmission move.

I think what you are saying totally makes sense. The B&M dipstick is really flexible and is a steel braided line though; I don't believe engine and transmission movement would cause any issues. My greater concern is how close the braided line sits next to the exhaust. I would hate to think I just added a transmission oil heater I would also hate to see the line fail down the line because of heat exposure.