Transmission Pan Removal

[xFatcatx]

99 Sport, 4wd, 5speed auto, 5R55E.

I had a lot of trouble getting the tranny pan out when I changed the filter. Ended up pushing it to the side and did the best I could to clean the pan out.
That exaust runs right underneath the pan and even with liquid wrench I couldnt get the exaust bolts out. Tried for over an hour to wiggle the pan out but gave up. Now I gotta do it again but this time the pan has to come out. Anyone know of an "easy" way to get the pan out?

 

[IZwack]

Remove that exhaust pipe temporarily. Of course the problem is that the exhaust pipe's bolts arent so easy to remove either.

 

[NHale623]

Regarding your exhaust pipe, use penetrating oil (NOT WD-40) and let it soak. The longer the better. Borrow an impact wrench. It will come off.

 

[bluestream1]

No need to remove the exhaust pipe. Just unbolt the front drive shaft from the transfer case, and set to the side. Four 10MM bolts, and a 3 min. job. The pan will then slide easily out.

 

[NHale623]

No need to remove the exhaust pipe. Just unbolt the front drive shaft from the transfer case, and set to the side. Four 10MM bolts, and a 3 min. job. The pan will then slide easily out.

The front driveshaft interfers with the transmission pan? Are you sure?

 

[Blee1099]

On the SOHC 4x4, you should remove the front driveshaft from the front diffy. That will allow you to drop/slide the pan off easier. On the OHV, thats not an issue.

 

[NHale623]

Thanks for the info. Wasn't aware of that.

 

[bluestream1]

On the SOHC 4x4, you should remove the front driveshaft from the front diffy. That will allow you to drop/slide the pan off easier. On the OHV, thats not an issue.

You can also remove it from the t-case. It is much easier, and does the same job. Allows you to remove the pan.

 

[stoneyb47]

I too just tried to change the filter and fluid on my Explorer. I could not get the pan out either. Hoping to find a way that someone else use that was successful.

 

[Blee1099]

I too just tried to change the filter and fluid on my Explorer. I could not get the pan out either. Hoping to find a way that someone else use that was successful.

Welcome to the site.. You can either drop the front drive shaft from the t-case or from the front differential. Once the shaft is removed, you can remove/slide the pan off

 

[bluestream1]

Welcome to the site.. You can either drop the front drive shaft from the t-case or from the front differential. Once the shaft is removed, you can remove/slide the pan off

Yes, just drop the shaft from one end. I took it off from ther T-case as it was easier. Then push it to one side and secure with some wire. Then slide the pan off to the drivers side. No need to touch the exhaust pipe at all

 

[BillJ]

I too just tried to change the filter and fluid on my Explorer. I could not get the pan out either. Hoping to find a way that someone else use that was successful.

I second dropping the drive shaft. After you drop the drive shaft, you have to bend the vent pipe a little to sneak the pan out. The following picture is from my 99 XLT 4WD Ex:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32651&stc=1&d=1145741120

- Drive shaft removed (T30 Torx bit, 1997 & > 120-180 in-lbs)

 

[bluestream1]

Yes, I forgot about the vent pipe. Bend it slowly and get it out of the way. Leave it in that position, as you will likely go back in some day. Also, I did not remove the heat shield. Just pop it off the side of the tranny, and push it aside. Later, after you are done, push the clips back into place with a large screwdriver.

Good luck, and have fun with this job.