The repair manual for my 99 Silverado tells me I need to use a special "alignment pin", GM p/n J36850, in order to install the Automatic Transmission Filter Seal after a filter/fluid change. 4L60-E tranny.

Do I really need this tool?

Also, the manual tells me to lube this seal with GM p/n J36850 and to seal the pan plug using GM p/n 12346004. What are these products and is there a generic equivalent?

Thanks for the help on this.

When doing a trans service, the filter seal will stay in the trans housing when you pull the filter out. Using a little creativity and some patience, you can remove the seal with out damaging the trans housing...if you don't feel confident, inspect the filter seal..if it looks OK, leave it alone and slide the new filter inside the seal (although this is not the best way of doing things and not recommended...sometimes it is better to leave the old seal alone)
If you want to install the new seal. you can use a socket the same size as the seal to drive the new seal into place (once again not the best way, but sometimes you have to make due)
Lube the seal with trans fluid.
On the drain plug bolt, use medium strenght loc-tite (the blue stuff)

Thanks for the reply, GMMerlin.

From your reply, I must assume the seal is a press in affair that takes more force than mere finger pressure, perhaps a tap in affair.

Once the pan is off, I'll be sure to look closely at the seal. If I feel the need to remove it, I'll construct a hook shaped affair out of softer than aluminum polycarbonate to gently work it out.

Appreciate the help.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the reply, GMMerlin.

From your reply, I must assume the seal is a press in affair that takes more force than mere finger pressure, perhaps a tap in affair.

Once the pan is off, I'll be sure to look closely at the seal. If I feel the need to remove it, I'll construct a hook shaped affair out of softer than aluminum polycarbonate to gently work it out.

Appreciate the help.

Thanks again.

An appropriately sized socket can be used to press the seal in place