It looks like there are a couple of options out there for the 4l80e:

http://www.ssdieselsupply.com/images/products/fullsize/85--20050304002520.jpg

Or these:

http://www.yourcovers.com/images/9437_cast_sm.jpghttp://www.yourcovers.com/images/9167_cast_sm.jpg

The B&M runs about $180 and the PML covers run about $215 (Last time I checked they were $180, too.).

Not sure how much capacity the B&M adds, but the PML adds 3.25 and 3.75 quarts, respectively.

Any opinions on either one?

I just put in the B&M last week. Beautiful piece. I had to lift the trany an inch to get the last two bolts in and I had to use the shorter stock bolts on those last two holes by the crossmember. My only ***** is that there was a lot of machining filings in the pan when I got it. You could barely see them unless the light hit just right. I sprayed them with brake cleaner and compressed air and it was clean as a whistle. Unit was $160 from summit. Old filter was pretty dirty also.

Well, I decided against going with a larger transmission pan due to cost/benefit. I couldn't justify spending $200 on a pan and an extra $20 on fluid. I think for me a better return would be to get one of these for $70 instead of the pan:
http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/4589.jpg

I did swap out the fluid with Mobile 1 ATF and installed a new transmission filter. The procedure wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

So, I completed the transmission service only to have the transfer case act up. While I was under there, I noticed a bunch of fluid on the transfer case. I had the actuator replaced by the dealer about a year ago and now it looks like all of the actuator seals have failed where the assembly attaches to the case. I put my hand on top of the case to see if there was anything else going on, but just a oil soaked connector. I started the truck and the Service 4 Wheel Drive indicator came on. I probably hit a connector or something. So, it looks like the truck will get the extra $200 I thought I saved by not buying the pan:rolleyes:

Depending how much cooling you need you might still want the deep pan, I run the PML pan plus I also run a 25K rated cooler by Deraile, under the bed with a electric fan & thermostat control max trans pan temp even on 100F day 190F, but I also tow every now and again 18K trailer/load when moving my backhoe.

Tim,

My truck is used mostly as a highway cruiser with some occasional towing. But, they do look really cool.

I've got so many other nagging little projects I have to complete that the pan might not make it on the :grd: list.

I just noticed the OEM oil lines leaking...
And, the A/C is still not operational.
Is that rust on the door?
Service 4WD light
Battery cables.
Lift pump.
Front grill.
Tires.
Gauges.
Brakes.
Etc...

SuperTuscan,

We sell a lot of the PML's they get you a boss for a second sender and a magnetic drain plug as well. Most folks see 20-30 degrees fluid temp drop with a PML only. Call us if you have any questions etc.

Mark @ DPPI

The only way you will get a drop in temps is with a larger cooler. Deep sump pans do not drop temps at all.
mike

Mike not wanting to start a rukus please explain where the following assumptions are wrong it's how I/we learn.

Wouldn't deeper pan adding more fluid to heat up, tend to drop temps some, as well as some passive cooling in the aluminum material dissipating heat across the fins/ribs, mine by gauge is lower even with the electric fan of the Deraile cooler off than before I had the deep pan, probably some cooling still by air across the remote cooler tubes, but mounted under the bed probably not that much extra air across it I would think

I agree TC:exactly:

TC
I believe that an aluminum pan can become a heat sink. They take longer to heat up but also take longer to cool off. I have had a lot of experience with coolers on all types of cars and trucks trying to lower temps. I have never found the aluminum pan to drop temps more than 10 degs on a good day ( usually much less). The cooler however will drop temps big time because it cools the hottest fluid coming out of the torque converter. That's where I go to first for temp drops. Synthetic fluid is another good choice for slightly dropping temps, but its main attribute IMHO is its ability to handle heat and protect trans internals. I believe there have been drops in temps with the aluminum pan, but not significant ones. I have installed well over 250 pans and have not seen much of a difference. I run a PML pan on my truck because it can't hurt. I am not saying don't buy the pan; I am saying the trans cooler is where you will get the best cooling.
mike

Thanks for "The rest of the Story" Mike

B&M Alu pan :30 deg drop in temperatures and oil does not dis color from heat.

Wrapped the crossover with heat wrap, looks like a additional 5 degrees cooler in real hot weather...these numbers are concervative, Last trip back to florida tran temps
at 180-185, Use to see 230 degrees same road/speed/outside temps...

B&M Alu pan :30 deg drop in temperatures and oil does not dis color from heat.

Wrapped the crossover with heat wrap, looks like a additional 5 degrees cooler in real hot weather...these numbers are concervative, Last trip back to florida tran temps
at 180-185, Use to see 230 degrees same road/speed/outside temps...

I will call the B/S flag on this. Only in your dreams will this happen with what you have posted.
mike

You can call anything you want, I am quite satisified with the lower temperatures,
and the life of this and past transmissions...And I'm not selling anything...