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DYNAMIC 88
While most of us equate the term “bubbletop” with early-’60s Chevys, other GM brands had their own versions of these sleek sport coupes, including Oldsmobile. Although these cars shared the same slim roof design, along with its highly celebrated rear window, other unique changes left no doubt about the special nature of these individualistic and stylish machines.
Fab’d Four Recap: On the Road to the Triple Crown
We’ve been road-tripping all year long through the Fab’d Four of Auto Shows, chasing the best builds, the wildest debuts, and the kind of iron that makes you stop mid-sentence just to stare. Three shows in, we’ve already seen cars that melted minds and trucks that had crowds three-deep around them.
Are You Master of Your Terrain?
Ok, you’ve lifted your rig so you can put those big tires on, and you take it out on it’s maiden wheelin’ trip. The first thing you notice is how the terrain seems to guide the tires while fighting your biceps. If this sounds familiar then you probably have manual steering. Many of the older rigs on the trail only came from the factory with a manual steering box. There are several options to remedy the manual steering blues. Upgrading to a power steering setup is the most basic route, then there are a number of companies specializing in hydraulic ram setups. There are also many combinations using common power steering boxes in addition to a hydraulic ram assist. With the vast variety of power steering system components available, the possibilities are quite endless.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dieselsite Deep Transmission Pan and Filter
For the Powerstroke E4OD / 4R100 / 5R110
At The Auto Builder, we’re always on the lookout for products made by real enthusiasts—folks who don’t just sell parts, they live them. That’s why we like the team at DIESELSITE. They don’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk. These guys live and breathe diesel, and they know firsthand the problems truck owners face. They take a hard look at factory OEM designs and make them better. Period.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Product Images Courtesy of Dieselsite
What’s in the Box: Deep Cast Aluminum Transmission Pan, Gasket, Full Hardware Kit, Upgraded Late 5R110 Transmission Filter
The DIESELSITE Deep Transmission Oil Pan is a prime example of that mindset. After running several aftermarket pans on their own Legendary and Hercules transmissions, the folks at DIESELSITE wanted more—more strength, better filtration, smarter engineering—and they built exactly that.
Made from heavy-duty 356T6 cast aluminum, this pan isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an evolution. Built to protect your transmission under the toughest conditions, whether you’re hauling heavy or chasing horsepower.
Why It Matters
Unlike standard pans, this one features a reinforced, thickened flange that acts as a structural girdle. Translation: it helps prevent case twisting during high-torque abuse. Plus, with stud and flanged nut fasteners, installation is a breeze and rock-solid reliable. And because DIESELSITE knows these transmissions inside and out, they spec’d it with the late 5R110 transmission filter for maximum filtration.
Features You Actually Want:
- Increased Flange Thickness: Adds strength, prevents flex.
- Stud and Flanged Nut Fasteners: Better clamp load, easier install.
- Deep Sump: Adds about 5 extra quarts of fluid for better cooling.
- Upgraded 5R110 Filter: Cleaner fluid, longer life.
- Magnetic Drain Plug: Catches metal shavings before they become a problem.
- Temperature Sensor Port: Ready for gauges to keep tabs on temps.
The Real Benefits:
- Stronger Transmission Case: Reduces risk of catastrophic failure.
- Cooler Temps, Longer Life: More fluid = more thermal control.
- Cleaner, Protected Fluid: With filtration and magnetic drain.
- Ready to Monitor: Gage port built in.
- Smart Install: Studs provide full thread engagement for maximum clamping force.
- Filter Replacement Part Number: Ford 8C3Z-7A098-D (conveniently etched into the pan for reference)
Vehicle Fitment:
The DIESELSITE E4OD/4R100/5R110 Transmission Pan and Filter (E4R5RPAN) fits the following Ford Powerstroke diesel vehicles equipped with E4OD, 4R100, or 5R110 transmissions:
Ford F-Series Trucks
Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 (1989–1998)
• 7.3L IDI Diesel (1989–1994, E4OD only)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (1994–1998)
Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 Super Duty (1999–2010)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (1999–2003)
• 6.0L Powerstroke (2003–2007)
• 6.4L Powerstroke (2008–2010)
Ford Excursion (2000–2005)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (2000–2003)
• 6.0L Powerstroke (2003–2005)
Ford E-Series Vans (E-250 / E-350 / E-450) (1989–2010)
• 7.3L IDI Diesel (1989–1994, E4OD only)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (1994–2003)
• 6.0L Powerstroke (2004–2010)
Bottom line
If you’re serious about protecting your transmission, this is one of those upgrades that just makes sense. That’s how DIESELSITE does it—they don’t cut corners, they build solutions. And that’s why we keep an eye on what they do here at The Auto Builder.
CLICK HERE to head on over to Dieselsite and get yours TODAY!
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