dropping the tranny pan

I just very recently did a tranny flush in my 98 cherokee. What I am doing next is to drop the pan and replace the tranny filter. the i6 4.0. Do I need to buff the inside of the pan where the gasket sits to get a better seal, or should that not be a problem. As well, when I drop the pan will I only lose the fluid from the pan, or will all the fluid from the tranny drain out. I'm thinking if i'm careful enough, and if I will only lose the pan oil, if I drop it gently enough I will not lose any of the fluid. thanx in advance

If you drop the pan, you will only lose about 4 quarts, basically whait is in the pan and the bottom of the tranny. Buffing the pan is probably overkill, just make sure the old gasket is completely removed. I find that putting a little high temp grease on the pan makes the gasket stay in place while you're putting the pan back on, and makes the gasket easier to remove the next time.

Praise: NICE handle!!

I ditto what he said. Make sure you clean the gasket surface on the tranny and pick out any pieces that may be in the bolt holes.

Also make sure you get all of the bolts started before you tighten any of them.

[QUOTE=Saudade]Praise: NICE handle!! QUOTE]

Thanks!

Good info already posted. Some things I learned and stuff to watch:

The dip stick tube for the transmission is part of the pan. There is a friction fit connection just after the elbow attached to the pan. This can be a little stubborn to disconnect.

The filter is a bit pricey; bought mine at NAPA and paid $32.00 for it.

Use the drain plug to empty the pan.... then remove the pan. It will help emensely if you use a tranny drain pan; it's a big round plastic dish with holes in the bottom and you place it on top of your oil drain pan.... oherwise expect to get tranny fluid on the garage floor.

Drop the pan and clean it well inside. There's a small magnet in the bottom of the pan to attract any iron fillings (and there will be some).

When you refill the pan initially, do not fill it any higher than the "add" level on the dipstick. Drive it for a few miles to get the fluid hot (stop and go/around town type driving). The correct fluid level is read when the fluid is at normal operating tempurature. Do not overfill. If it needs to be topped off, go slow.... add just a *little* bit at a time and sneak up on the full mark.

mike

thanks for the info, as well, is there some type of additive I should be adding to the dex fluid. I think I am supposed to use something that converts it to atf+4. Let me know. thankx

Hey Sklater......

If you have the AW4 transmission, you should be using the Dexron III/mercon fluid. It is definitly not recommended to use any of the ATF+3 or +4 fluids in this transmission or any additive package that might be equivelent.

How did you make out with "draining" the pan:smile:??

JD

Dexron III is what you need. The older MOPAR TorqFlite trannies used the ATF-4 fluid and I guess some of the late models had a requirement for it. Don't buy any additives to put in the fluid.... you can do more harm than good especially if the transmission is working just fine. While you're at it, might as well buy an extra quart for the transfer case; it uses the same fluid and should be changed also.

mike

Hey Sklater......

If you have the AW4 transmission, you should be using the Dexron III/mercon fluid. It is definitly not recommended to use any of the ATF+3 or +4 fluids in this transmission or any additive package that might be equivelent.

How did you make out with "draining" the pan:smile:??

JD


Draining the pan wasn't bad. But it sure was nasty inside. The filter wasn't too good either, and in taking off the gasket there was black crud all around the inside of the pan. Got it all cleaned out though, and hopefully all works good.