Are motocraft trans filter FT- 105 and FT-108 interchangeable or is FT108 for a deeper pan? They're both listed for my 2011 e150 and not sure why?

Any opinion on wix trans filter or stick with oem?

Also any thoughts on the Doorman tranny pan (Dorman 265-813) with plug? Is it not worth the hassle or a quality piece?

Going to do my first trans service on this van at around 139k. I think the last service was 104k which puts me about 5k past due I think. Just want to make sure I have everything lined up and ready to go.
Thanks

 

Not sure why more than one filter would be showing for that year E-Series. Looking up your year and chassis the Motorcraft filters seem to either include or delete the gasket---if they mean the pan gasket the OEM version is reusable. If the seal between the filter stem is what's not included you definitely need that.

You could provide the VIN to the dealeship and they'll know which OEM part is required. If all else fails remove the old part and take it along when you find a new part in stock. Quality-wise OEM or Wix are both good filters, pretty much equal.

The Ford transmissions are nearly pefect just as they come from the factory---there's no practical benefit to a daily driven street vehicle trying to modify or "improve" what's there, not if reliability is important.

As for servicing the transmission the absolute best way is using Mark Kovalsky's full fluid exchange method. That bit of dropping the pan to replace the filter and up to 5 quarts of ATF is barely minimal help extending the life of the transmission. This is recommened between 30K and 50K mile depending on how you use the van. See that tutorial here: ATF Fluid Flush

A transmission pan with drain is advisable but I add these to both my transmission and engine oil pan: Drain Plugs

Those are not cheap suggestions but they're what's best for your transmission.

 

I think Mark also mentions to double check that you don't leave the old filter gasket (ring) in the transmission as it will cause the filter to not seat properly. Yeah just replacing the 5 qts compared to the 18~(not sure how much) those take. Also make sure to use good synthetic fluid and see what the current recommended type is. There has been quite a few posts on this subject so make sure to look them up.