1996BLKBauer
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- June 24, 2011
- Messages
- 1,686
- Reaction score
- 13
- City, State
- McHenry, IL
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1996 Eddie Bauer AWD V8
1996BlkBauer
The B&M plug you linked above is the correct drain plug, if you want to add a trans temp gauge, buy 2 of them. Note that the temp sending unit must be 1/8" npt to fit in the B&M bushing. I think most Autometer electric trans temp gauges are 1/8" npt sender, but check before you buy.
Lots of debates as to where the drain should be, I put mine in the lowest point which is the bottom of the sump.
Check Summits site for gauges, Autometer Cobalt series are a nice gauge but expensive, or a digital gauge might interest you.
FYI, I have a 4R70W "steel" pan and filter in my Mustang as it has a small sump were as the stock AODE pan does not. Also have a complete set of Cobalt full sweep elec gauges in it, illumination is fantastic IMHO. And I have the trans temp sender in the side of the pan.
Also have an identical set-up in my 99X, 5r55e trans, using Autometer Z series. And a pan heater on the side of the pan for winter plug-in to preheat the fluid slightly.
With a drain plug in the pan, you can do a pan change on any schedule that you like, without mercon all over the place. Don't have to change the filter very often, but when you do, you will sure appreciate the drain plug.
I got ya, So one for the plug, and one for the sender to go into. that makes sense. it took me a second, because I am a little tired... lol.
To be honest all trans work scares me. But I want to get all this done before my Auto Trans class so that I can have a head start. Like I mentioned above, I think I will pull a pan from the junk Yard, and then look at clearances on the Explorer there, and determine where i will be placing the drain plug, and soon to be Sender plug. But to be honest I am really not sure where the fluid lies in the pan, so my sender placement, may need to have some Expert advice needed.
I wasn't really sure about what the pan was made out of, it just sort of looked like an Aluminum pan last time I was under the truck. Thanks for all the great input, making it a lot less scary, and easier to decide on things.