So after watching a bunch of youtube videos on my transmission filter change I ran across a guy "upgrading" his Transmission pan and filter on a 2007 to a 2008 version. He said to get this filter as it was much better: FT-180-8C3Z-7A098-D
When I went to Ford Parts department they gave me this filter: FT-144-(1x) 3C3Z-7A098-AA
I called Ford Parts Department here in Asheville NC and he confirmed that he has 2 different filters and that the FT-180 is like double the cost. He did not know the reason for this and really did not even care to find out.
Anyway from the pictures I have seen, the only difference is a pleated(air filter type) filter in place of where the "screen" is on the FT-144.
Anyone know the difference or why Ford has 2 different filters for my transmission and what is the advantage of spending double the money?? Hecho En Mexico stamped all over everything. A 25 cent piece of plastic they want almost $80 dollars for? Merica'

Also: 2008 F350 SD 5.4l 4x4 Supercab w/8' Bed Tow/Plow/Offroad package

 

The 7A098-D filter has much more filter material in it and does a much better job than the earlier 7A098-AA version, from what I hear Ford changed to the better filter when they did away with inline filter up by the radiator, so this new filter is taking the place of two filters.

To upgrade to the 7A098-D filter you must also replace the pan 8C3Z-7A194-B, the new filter will not fit in the earlier pan. I did this to my 05 a few years ago.

 

This is what I came across that put some light on what my 2008 has.

In 2008, Ford added a new style of transmission pan and filter. The new style has a larger transmission pan and a filter that is internal, located inside the pan.
2008 is a Transition Year. Newer vehicles can have either the a "new style" transmission pan with an internal filter or the "old style" pan with an external filter.

External Filter Style Pan


Old style stock pan and external filter. The middle of the pan is about 3 inches wide. If you have an external spin-on transmission oil filter near the bell housing (as shown) then you have the Old Style. This is what I have under my F350 5.4L

Internal Filter Style Pan

here is the new style stock pan. The middle is about 4 1/2 inches wide. It is larger to accommodate a larger internal filter5.4L Owners

Some Vehicles have clearance issues that cannot accomodate a deeper pan. A larger aftermarket pan may or may not work.
Look for clearance problems especially with frame cross members and the exhaust.



Looks like I may be one of those that has the muffler clearance issues. Now what? SMH FORD!

 

If it's stupid expensive,then bypass it with more line.You can just use brake line of the same size.Find a place where you can install a remote mount filer head and use a standard trans oil filter like this:






If you rather,you could even just leave that as is,put on some hose barb fittings and put one of these in the line,right where that is:


Either way,that will eliminate that unethical dealer only crap and cure your issue.

 

That might be a solution. I have to call Ford of Asheville tomm and see what the upgraded OEM pan costs and if it will fit and then I'm gonna take a closer look and search the interwebs for others that may have bypassed that external filter. Thanks for the reply