Transmission Pan Magnet Upgrade: HD Magnets vs Stock

An HD pan magnet catches more debris and helps protect your transmission. Heres what stock magnets miss, what HD options offer, and how to install them.

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What pan magnets do

Function:

  • Catch ferrous wear particles
  • Keep debris from valve body
  • Prevent solenoid sticking
  • Reveal wear patterns for diagnosis

    • Stock magnet limitations

    Typical stock:

  • Small single magnet
  • Limited surface area
  • Misses fine particles
  • Sometimes loose/falls off

    • HD magnet options

    Multi-magnet upgrade:

  • 2-4 magnets vs single
  • More catch area
  • $10-$30 add-on

    • Neodymium magnets:

  • Stronger than ferrite
  • Catches finer particles
  • $5-$15 each

    • HD pan with built-in magnets:

  • Aftermarket pan
  • Multiple magnets included
  • $100-$400 deep pan

    • Why upgrade pan magnet

    Benefits:

  • Catches more debris
  • Better diagnosis at service
  • Reduces solenoid contamination
  • Cheap insurance

    • Best for:

  • Tow rigs (more wear)
  • Tuned trucks
  • High-mileage trans
  • HD work trucks

    • Install

    Adding magnets to stock pan:

  • Drop pan during fluid service
  • Clean inside thoroughly
  • Stick neodymium magnets to pan floor
  • Avoid filter pickup area
  • Use spec-rated magnet adhesive if needed

    • Best location:

  • Pan corners (deepest point)
  • Away from drain plug
  • Multiple locations spread debris catch

    • HD pan with multi-magnets

    Mag-Hytec / SunCoast / BD deep pans:

  • Built-in multiple magnets
  • Extra fluid capacity
  • Better cooling
  • Drain plug included
  • $200-$450

    • How to inspect at service

    Photo magnet each service:

  • Compare over time
  • Track wear trend
  • Catch issues early

    • Clean thoroughly:

  • Solvent or wipe
  • Reveal new debris next service

    • What HD magnets catch better

    Finer particles:

  • Pump bushing wear early
  • Bearing wear
  • Aluminum flake

    • Larger debris:

  • Steel pieces
  • Sprag fragments
  • Catastrophic warning earlier

    • Cost-benefit

    $10-$30 HD magnets:

  • Free at next fluid service
  • Catches issues 10-20k miles earlier
  • Prevents $500+ collateral damage

    • Bottom line

    Add HD magnets at next fluid service:

  • $10-$30 investment
  • 5 minutes extra at service
  • Years of better diagnostic data

    • Consider HD deep pan for:

  • Tow rigs
  • Tuned trucks
  • $200-$450 for HD pan + magnets

    • Need pan magnets, HD pans, or service items? Visit our main catalog. HD pans, magnets, gaskets, fluids. Free shipping over $70.

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