Modifying transmission dip stick

[Jakenbake]

Ok, so I had some time to mock up my dip stick install. They way I see it is there are two paths to route the dipstick tube: between the back of engine and firewall and around the side behind the exhaust. The first route is similar to the B&M video, requires some “S” bends, and better would facilitate mounting to the fire wall. The second route would yield a smoother bend radius/fewer bends, better facilitate mounting to the cam covers, but would bring the dipstick tube closer to the exhaust.

I have decided to combine the two a bit. I plan to go between the firewall and engine, but will wrap some of the dipstick with heat wrap to prevent the braided hose from damaging the existing heat insulation. I will also mount to the cam covers.

Here is a few photos of my rough in of the install. (See above) since I can only apparently figure out how to put them below the text 50% of the time.

 

[Jakenbake]

Here are three examples of how the hose routing changes the length of protrusion of the dipstick from the tube.

Control - straight

“S” bends - result is a relative increase in protrusion

Concentric bends - result is a relative decrease in protrusion.

Does the “protrusion” shown in the previous post look appropriate when compared to the factory dipstick. I have not seen the factory dipstick in person to really know how far the important markings are into the transmission housing.

 

[Jakenbake]

 

[TomDirt]

And right now, it seems that nobody on earth has that dipstick (or another made for the 6r80) in stock.

 

[Ruger]

And right now, it seems that nobody on earth has that dipstick (or another made for the 6r80) in stock.

Nuts! It's a very good mod. I certainly don't regret it.

 

[Gen1TillDeath]

And right now, it seems that nobody on earth has that dipstick (or another made for the 6r80) in stock.

Found one on Amazon. Says 1 left

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798J3B65/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

But IMO, for how little the transmission fluid is changed/serviced it’s waaaaaay to over priced as others have mentioned . But to each their own

 

[Ruger]

Found one on Amazon. Says 1 left

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798J3B65/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

But IMO, for how little the transmission fluid is changed/serviced it’s waaaaaay to over priced as others have mentioned . But to each their own

It would seem so until you've done that job yourself. It requires a check-fill-check-fill of the fluid level until you get it right with the truck running and fully up to temperature. With the itty bitty dipstick right next to the exhaust with only about an inch and a half of clearance to work with, burning the knuckles and back of your hand is absolutely guaranteed. (That's on the 6.2L V8. I don't know about the EB engines.) The first time I did it, it took three weeks for the burns to heal. The second time I used gloves with four layers of duct tape across the knuckles, and it only took a week to heal. I am not exaggerating. That's when I bought that B&M dipstick. It's a time, pain, and skin saver. Ford is absolutely without excuse in failing to equip its premier off-road uber truck with a conventional transmission dipstick.

 

[TomDirt]

Found one on Amazon. Says 1 left

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798J3B65/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

But IMO, for how little the transmission fluid is changed/serviced it’s waaaaaay to over priced as others have mentioned . But to each their own

I actually "bought" that same one this morning from Speedway thru ebay. Then, an hour later, they refunded the charges because it's not really on the shelf.

 

[TomDirt]

I was able to find one that Holley allegedly can get shipped out in 48hrs. Since the truck has been apart for months and it's finally getting back together, I'll pay the $280 price tag (including 2day shipping) and consider it the "Raptor Tax".

 

[TomDirt]

Still waiting.......