Whether you’re a DIY mechanic or just trying to avoid a dealership bill, maintaining your own transmission can save you hundreds of dollars. But there’s one part of the job many overlook—the transmission oil pan. If you’re working with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (found in many Ram, Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles), the A-Premium Transmission Oil Pan is arguably the best aftermarket solution on the market today.
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsIn this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into this product: its features, real-world feedback, how it compares to OEM parts, and why it’s the best oil drain pan for your next transmission service.
What Makes a Good Oil Drain Pan?
Most people think an oil drain pan is just a bucket to catch fluid—but in the case of transmission systems, it’s a critical component. A quality oil pan includes a built-in filter, seals well, resists heat, and helps keep the transmission running clean and cool.
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsZF transmissions are sensitive to debris, fluid contamination, and improper sealing. Replacing the pan is more than maintenance—it’s prevention. A leaking or cracked transmission oil pan can lead to major transmission failure, so choosing the right replacement matters.
The A-Premium Transmission Oil Pan at a Glance
- Product: A-Premium Transmission Oil Pan with Gasket & Drain Plug
- Fitment: Ram 1500/2500/3500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger/Challenger/Durango, Chrysler 300 (model years 2013–2021)
- Transmission: ZF 8-Speed Automatic (8HP70/8HP75)
- Price: Only $77.99 CAD on Amazon
- Includes: Pan with built-in transmission filter, pre-formed gasket, drain plug, and 13 bolts
- Material: Corrosion-resistant composite plastic
- Warranty: 1-year, unlimited mileage
- ASIN: B0C8B6VKGW
- Amazon Ranking: #1 in Automotive Replacement Engine Oil Pans
Key Features & Benefits
1. OEM Compatibility
This oil pan is a direct-fit replacement for several OEM part numbers including 68225344AA, 52854834AB, and 265-850. It’s designed to install without modification, fitting flush against your transmission housing.
Whether you’re driving a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee or a 2015 Dodge Challenger, this pan bolts up effortlessly. That makes it one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades for high-mileage vehicles.
2. Built-In Filter & Hardware
What sets this product apart is that it comes fully equipped:
- Pre-installed transmission filter
- Pre-molded rubber gasket
- Oil drain plug
- 13 bolts for mounting
You won’t need to purchase any separate parts—just add your preferred 8-speed ATF fluid and you’re ready.
3. High-Quality Materials
Made from heat- and corrosion-resistant plastic, the construction mirrors OEM-grade standards. The integrated magnet traps metallic shavings in the fluid, helping protect your transmission from internal wear.
The pre-formed gasket fits into a dedicated groove and creates a reliable seal when torqued properly. While some users have called the gasket “janky,” most say it seals perfectly when seated correctly.
Installation Experience
Installation is relatively straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic tools. Here’s a breakdown of the process and tips from users:
- Clean the surface: Use 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove old residue.
- Pre-lube the gasket: This helps it settle into the groove before tightening.
- Hand-thread all bolts first: Then torque them in a criss-cross pattern to avoid warping.
- Use thread locker: Medium-strength thread locker is recommended for vibration resistance (not included).
- Watch out for clearance issues: On Ram 1500s, an exhaust pipe can obstruct the drain plug. Some users drilled into the old pan to drain the fluid instead of squeezing in an Allen key.
Real Customer Feedback
★★★★★ “Better than OEM for a quarter of the cost”
“I used this on my 2016 Ram 1500. The fit was perfect, the shifting improved immediately, and I saved over $200. The magnets in the old pan were covered in metal sludge—this was overdue.” – Ben
★★★★★ “No leaks, OEM fit”
“It fit exactly like the factory part on my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I used thread locker and torqued everything evenly. No leaks. Couldn’t be happier.” – Mike
★★☆☆☆ “Drain plug leaked”
“After a few days of driving, the drain plug started leaking slightly. Retorqued it but still leaves small puddles. Not a dealbreaker, but disappointing.” – Nick
Cost Comparison: OEM vs A-Premium
| Feature | OEM Dealer | A-Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pan + Filter + Gasket | $280–$350 | $77.99 CAD |
| Drain Plug & Hardware | Often Extra | Included |
| 1-Year Warranty | Varies | ✅ Yes |
| Ease of Installation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Value Rating | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
The A-Premium kit offers nearly identical performance and durability at a fraction of the price. It’s perfect for DIYers or shops looking to reduce costs without compromising reliability.
🔍 What Is It?
The A-Premium Transmission Oil Pan is a complete replacement kit designed for vehicles equipped with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. It includes:
- A durable plastic oil pan with integrated filter
- Pre-formed rubber gasket
- Oil drain plug
- 13 mounting bolts
It’s designed to match OEM specifications at a fraction of the price. At only $77.99 CAD, it’s significantly more affordable than dealership parts (which can easily run $300+).
🚗 Vehicle Compatibility
This oil drain pan is vehicle-specific, meaning it’s engineered for a precise fit. It works with the following models:
Chrysler (2013–2021)
- Chrysler 300 (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Dodge (2013–2021)
- Charger (RWD)
- Challenger (RWD)
- Durango (all trims using ZF 8-speed)
Jeep (2014–2021)
- Grand Cherokee
Ram Trucks
- 1500 (2013–2021)
- 1500 Classic (2019–2021)
- 2500 & 3500 (2019–2021)
This pan is only compatible with 8-speed automatic transmissions—specifically ZF 8HP70/8HP75-style gearboxes.
🔧 Installation Experience
One of the biggest advantages of this kit is the plug-and-play installation process. Most users report the part fitting like OEM without requiring any cutting, trimming, or adjustments.
Installation Tips:
- Clean the mating surface thoroughly with 99% isopropyl alcohol to avoid leaks.
- Pre-lube the gasket with clean ATF to help it seal properly.
- Hand-tighten all 13 bolts before torquing in a crisscross/star pattern.
- Apply medium thread locker on bolts to ensure nothing vibrates loose.
- Use thread sealant or Teflon tape on the drain plug to avoid drips.
RAM-Specific Tip:
Some RAM 1500 models have an exhaust pipe positioned close to the drain plug. In these cases, you may need to drill into the old pan to drain it cleanly, as a standard Allen key won’t fit.
🧪 Real-World Feedback
With over 350 reviews and a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon, the majority of customers are satisfied with their purchase.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Good transmission pan if you’re careful”
“The pan fit perfectly. No leaks. Smoother shifting now. Only complaint was the gasket—it looked a bit cheap but seated fine.” – Ben (Canada)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Exactly what I needed”
“Dealer wanted $300 for a transmission pan. This one worked just as well. Installed on my 2017 RAM 1500—very happy.” – Ted
⭐⭐⭐ “Plug leaked slightly”
“Everything worked except the drain plug. It drips a bit even after torque and re-sealing. Might replace with OEM plug.” – Nick M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Transmission is shifting better than new”
“Used this pan and Valvoline MaxLife ATF. Installation was straightforward and the results were immediate. Highly recommend.” – Seandrea (U.S.)
🏁 Performance & Driving Feel
While the pan itself doesn’t affect how your transmission shifts, its integrated filter and improved sealing definitely do. A clean filter and proper fluid containment help prevent overheating, shuddering, and wear. After installation, many users report:
- Firmer, smoother shifts
- Less transmission noise
- Reduced hesitation during acceleration
- Fewer leaks around the pan area
Paired with quality fluid like Mopar ATF+4 or ZF Lifeguard 8, this pan can significantly extend the life of your transmission—especially if you’re over 100,000 km without a service.
💰 Price Comparison
Let’s compare the A-Premium Pan vs OEM dealer options:
| Feature | OEM Dealer | A-Premium Pan |
|---|---|---|
| Pan + Filter + Gasket | $280–$350 CAD | $77.99 CAD |
| Drain Plug & Mounting Bolts | Often sold extra | Included |
| Installation Instructions | Minimal | Available online from buyers |
| Warranty | Varies | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Total DIY Savings | – | 70–75% vs dealership |
🔚 Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the best oil drain pan for your ZF 8-speed automatic, the A-Premium Transmission Oil Pan is an unbeatable deal. It checks all the boxes for reliability, compatibility, ease of installation, and most importantly—price.
For just $77.99 CAD, it’s an absolute steal compared to dealer alternatives.