Mike's Build Shop
Gold Sponsor
- First Name
- Mike
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2026
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 5
- Location
- Santa Clarita, California
- Vehicle(s)
- Ranger
- Occupation
- Owner, Mike's Build Shop
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey Everyone,
I'm Mike, from Mike's Build Shop.
I have a prototype extended automatic transmission dipstick I am working on, it will be a plug and play unit that will read the fluid level correctly when installed and it will match the factory dipstick markings.
I would like a local vehicle and a owner that is willing to be part of the several steps that are involved with the final prove-out of the fitment, as well as be willing to put miles on it for the shape test and the shrink test.
It looks like it will be a little tricky to install, the body is very close on top of the transmission, so the dipstick housing must make a sharp turn to clear the body, which makes starting the threaded connection difficult.
Initially, I just want to verify adequate clearance from the body and the top of the transmission, as well as assessing how difficult the starting of the threaded connection is.
I would like someone who is game to try the install themselves, because I want it to be real world tested by as many people as I can get, just because I can install it, I can't assume it will be easy enough for everyone.
It still is a ways out from final production, but if I can prove it out without having to make any further changes, I will start ordering the complete parts list to make them in quantity.
I will offer a free dipstick when they go into production, as well as monetary compensation for the owners time.
The test vehicle I have been using up to this point is an hour away and his wife drives it, so it can be an inconvenience for them to let me use it.
After fitment check, if it's good, I would like to leave the housing on the vehicle (no dipstick insert yet) to go through some heat cycles, the PTFE steel braided hose will naturally shrink a small amount, so I need to measure the shrinkage and include it in the final fluid level scale calculations. as well as the more important part of verifying it is holding the designed shape.
I currently make one for the 2019-2023 Ranger, you can view it on my website: https://mikesbuildshop.com/
There will be some differences, the new version will use a cable insert, which will require a different handle, but otherwise, pretty much the same materials and configuration, a bracket mounted to the back of the engine, -10 PTFE steel braided hose (about 1/2" ID) with the same transmission adapter and I also plan on a custom funnel as well.
Okay, that's about it, if you are interested, please let me know, I can come to you, or you are welcome to come to me, I am in Saugus, which is in the SCV.
Thank you very much!
Mike
I'm Mike, from Mike's Build Shop.
I have a prototype extended automatic transmission dipstick I am working on, it will be a plug and play unit that will read the fluid level correctly when installed and it will match the factory dipstick markings.
I would like a local vehicle and a owner that is willing to be part of the several steps that are involved with the final prove-out of the fitment, as well as be willing to put miles on it for the shape test and the shrink test.
It looks like it will be a little tricky to install, the body is very close on top of the transmission, so the dipstick housing must make a sharp turn to clear the body, which makes starting the threaded connection difficult.
Initially, I just want to verify adequate clearance from the body and the top of the transmission, as well as assessing how difficult the starting of the threaded connection is.
I would like someone who is game to try the install themselves, because I want it to be real world tested by as many people as I can get, just because I can install it, I can't assume it will be easy enough for everyone.
It still is a ways out from final production, but if I can prove it out without having to make any further changes, I will start ordering the complete parts list to make them in quantity.
I will offer a free dipstick when they go into production, as well as monetary compensation for the owners time.
The test vehicle I have been using up to this point is an hour away and his wife drives it, so it can be an inconvenience for them to let me use it.
After fitment check, if it's good, I would like to leave the housing on the vehicle (no dipstick insert yet) to go through some heat cycles, the PTFE steel braided hose will naturally shrink a small amount, so I need to measure the shrinkage and include it in the final fluid level scale calculations. as well as the more important part of verifying it is holding the designed shape.
I currently make one for the 2019-2023 Ranger, you can view it on my website: https://mikesbuildshop.com/
There will be some differences, the new version will use a cable insert, which will require a different handle, but otherwise, pretty much the same materials and configuration, a bracket mounted to the back of the engine, -10 PTFE steel braided hose (about 1/2" ID) with the same transmission adapter and I also plan on a custom funnel as well.
Okay, that's about it, if you are interested, please let me know, I can come to you, or you are welcome to come to me, I am in Saugus, which is in the SCV.
Thank you very much!
Mike
Sponsored
