Transmission Pan Gasket

[pj31704]

While fixing my brake lines I stumbled across my new project. I don't think it is too intensive however I have never replaced something like this before. Here are some pictures of what I found.





I see that the gasket looks like it has failed and is what is causing all the leaking. I found a new one on BroncoGraveyard. Question I have is how difficult is this once I actually take off the transmission pan? Anything I should know ahead of time? Drain transmission first? Anything else I will need to do other than put new gasket on and bolt back up? Thanks for any help

 

[Rons beast]

Hey PJ,

Changing the trans gasket is one of the easiest jobs you can do. Nothing to worry about as far as suprises. Get a big pan under the tranny and loosen the pan bolts and the big nut on the fill tube. The fluid will run out, but there will be some left in the pan. Loosen the bolts slowly, taking out most but leave one at the corners so you can hold the pan and take them out with your fingers. be ready to get messy. It takes a real steady hand to lower the pan and not spill fluid, ( reason for a BIG pan!)

If you are going to replace the gasket you may as well replace the filter or "screen" in the pan. Not to worry it is easy and will be evident when you drop the pan. When the pan is off, clean it scrape off the old gasket and check that the gasket surface is flat. I like to take a ball-peen hammer and dimple the bolt holes to the outside just a little, to give the pan a little extra "push" when it's replaced.

There are 9 small bolts that hold the filter/screen in. It's a simple un bolt...bolt on the new, job. Just don't overtighten the bolts. Same as with the new gasket. Use just a very thin film of RTV and do not overtighten the pan bolts and squeeze the gasket out. You will need a seal for the fill tube, it should come with the kit , but check at the parts store. Refill with the proper fluid. I believe your tranny takes typeF. Don't overfill.

BTW I find that the kits are available at my local parts store, and don't have to wait for something to be shipped.

Good Luck

 

[pj31704]

I just got the kit in from the parts store, unfortunately took awhile to be shipped. I was curious should I do a complete transmission flush before opening pan? Or is that basically what I will be doing since everything is going to drain out anyway? Also, I have seen Slick 50 makes a high mileage transmission fluid additive. Anyone recommend something like this? Thanks

 

[Rons beast]

Hey pj,

Everything will drain out when you drop the pan, except for the fluid in the converter. That's ok if the fluid is not burnt. If the old fluid has a cherry red color and doesn't smell foul, it's ok and you can just replace the fluid lost from dropping the pan. ( about 5qts.)

If the trans didn't slip, or shift bad, you are doing maintenance. like changing the oil.

I don't have any experiance with the Slick 50 additive. I have used Rislone additive, and it helped with some minor leakes I had.

Remember if you are adding any additive, reduce the fluid you add. You do not want to overfill the trans. Remember the level is checked when the engine is running. When you have the pan all buttoned up, add about 3 qts. start the engine, run the shifter through all the gears. ( you don't need to drive, just place the tranny in each gear for a second.) Then chsck the fluid level. You want to get it in the crosshatch area. If it's there, drive around the block. Check the level again, ( engine running) and add any fluid if necessary. (a little at a time don't overfill)

Good Luck

 

[pj31704]

I just got the filter off and as I removed it this fell into my drain pan. Any clue as to where this needs to go?

 

[Rons beast]

Do you have a C-4 tranny? I believe that is a type of check valve for the servo that is held in place by the filter. There should be a port, or "hole" in the valve body that the part goes in followed by the spring. that is held in by the filter on a tab that kind of sticks out from the edge of the filter.

 

[pj31704]

Not sure if a C4 but I found the hole and put the part in followed by the spring and there was a tab that held spring in place. Thanks for the help, about to bolt pan in place now.

 

[Rons beast]

You got it! That's where it goes. You most likely have A c-4

 

[pj31704]

Just thought I'd post a few pics of the job. Thanks again for all the help!

Dirty Pan



Clean Pan



New Filter

 

[pj31704]

So just added transmission fluid. Is it ok if the fluid level is just a little over the hashmarks? I just want to make sure this won't cause any major problems.

 

[Rons beast]

Hey pj,

The drips of old fluid look red, so you should be good. I'd drive the truck till it's warm. If the fluid level is still over the hash marks drain a little off. You can do this by cracking loose a trans line at the rad while the truck is running. It's a little messy but still easier than crawling under and loosening the pan and breaking a new seal. Leaving it overfull can cause leaks, and in a worst case foam the fluid. ( really bad.)

BTW: did you use any additive? Just curious.

Good Luck

 

[pj31704]

Thanks, I'll have to be sure and do that today. And I did put a quart of the Rislone Transmission additive. Figured it's probably been a very long time since transmission was serviced so it would be a good idea.