Repair-It

I noticed relatively minor oil leaking from the upper cam gear timing covers. From precursory inspection it looked like the passenger side is a little worse than the drivers side. Need to read up on what's expected to be in the way and if it's just sealant or if there are any gaskets I should order ...

Wound up ordering this for stock plug-in and hopefully corrosion resistant trailer receptacle wiring. The rectangular plug mated with the stock Benz wiring harness, so it should all be factory type and weather resistant connections. https://www.etrailer.com/Custom_Fit_Vehicle_Wiring/Pollak/PK11893-1...

So I guess I’ll pass on the bundle and stick with MaxLife for the 8HP70(D?) (I’m not sure if I have the D designation or not)

I think the Rowe 9008 implies that Lifeguard 8/9 are relatively low viscosity. Not sure what to make of that though... Just need to decide if the "bundle" is worth it or stick with the MaxLife... I'm thinking stick with the $6/qt MaxLife for the ZF since internet wisdom says its OK.

Shipping goes free over $200, so the delta cost for the fluid is only $8.73/qt for the 9008, but I'm not sure it's better than Maxlife.

Rowe has several ZF approvals on other fluids, just no approvals noted on the 9008 ATF.

Ok - so pan options. The ZF aftermarket application sheet shows this as the right kit: https://aftermarket.zf.com/en/catalog/products/1087.298.361?country=US These guys show that kit at $156 (currently out of stock) + $10 shipping. So I think this is what I want to order, since it's "real"...

Valvoline responded with a typical marketing response quoting the product advertising sheet only.

Ordered the etrailer tow bar. Hopefully it's halfway decent, rated for 10.5k lbs and "lifetime warrantied" by etrailer, so I shouldn't have to replace it regardless what future tow vehicles or RV setups I have. I had also ordered a Curt tail light kit: https://www.curtmfg.com/part/58907 Ho...

Here's a data point that probably supports your arguments for Benz-approved only and "universal" not applying.

Royal Purple universal fluid is apparently "not" recommended for 725.03X applications:
https://royalpurple.lubricantadvisor.co ... ion/130685