which dipstick is right? i have two to choose from.

[justinsane]

I have 2 dip sticks to use, one is a oem and supposed to be for a 2004r according to who i bought it from. the other is a universal lokar style. here is the problem, correct me if i am wrong here but isnt the full mark on the dipstick supposed to be level with the pan gasket as looking at the dip stick when its installed and the pan is off? the one i bought from lokar the full mark lines up perfectly with the pan gasket. the oem one the full mark is a ways up inside the case, again as looking in the trans with the pan off and the dip stick installed, if i use the oem one the oil will end up a good 1/4 to half inch above the pan gasket area. so to sum it all up do any of you have a true oem dip stick and trans that you have laying around and can tell me if the oem full mark is indeed lined up with the pan gasket or if its up in the case a little ways. thanks in advance.

 

[justinsane]

bump to the top for some help.

 

[justinsane]

damn 50+ views and not one reply, any one got a link to a site with more informed members lol???

 

[ggevaert]

Dipstick

I have been researching this now for a month with no definitive answer.

I bought a rebuilt tranny (THM-375) on the internet with no dipstick so been trying to figure this out.

I went to a wrecker and got a supposed correct tranny dipstick but since it has been in and the truck running it has not felt right; checking into this more I am now sure I got the wrong dipstick as the full mark is about 1/2" below pan rail.

Here is what I found sofar:
- Pan rail (most often I get this answer); including from one of the frequent responders on this forum his company website FAQ (not sure if I can mention his name or business here; if I can let me know and I will be happy to give him credit).
- 1/4 below pan rail - only one or two people said this
- 1/4 above pan rail - got this from some tranny building responders on other websites and from a local transmission shop (but he was hesitant so did not make me feel warm and fuzzy)

So, it appears to be down to pan rail or 1/4 above pan rail.

I'm not sure if the tranny model matters? (i.e. would your 2004r have a different level than a thm-375/400?)

Furthermore, my tranny manual says that the difference between ADD and FULL is only 1 pt (which is 1/4") so I want to get it right and not under or overfill. Figures that the tranny manual I bought does not actually tell you what the level should be, only to ensure it is correct on the dipstick (argh).

So, if anyone can confirm what the fluid level should be then we can both mark our dipsticks accordingly.

Gary

 

[wantattype2]

I just had the pan off my bone stock 200R4 transmission and the" add" mark lines up with the pan gasket, the" full "mark is above pan gasket inside the dipstick tube. I hope this helps.

 

[justinsane]

that does help, thank you both, wantattype2 can you tell us about how far above the pan gasket?is it about a 1/4 inch or 1 pint ?

 

[wantattype2]

The full mark is 1/2 in above the add mark measured on the dip stick, but the dip stick enters the trans case at an angle, so I would estimate it to be 1/4 to 3/8 in above the pan gasket.

 

[ggevaert]

200r4 vs thm375/400

Thanks wantattype2; Now I just need to know if the 200r4 would have a different fluid level than my thm375/400 or if they all pretty much work the same?

Gary