2001 Isuzu Trooper Trans Filter Change

I own a 2001 Isuzu Trooper and I would like to change the transmission filter on it. For those of you who have worked on this style of transmission, what tools do you use to remove the back two fasteners on the pan? I can use a ratchet for the rest of the fasteners. However, the two I mentioned have some sort of crossbracing in the way which makes for a very tight squeeze. I am having trouble attaching my ratchet to the two fasteners because I can't come straight in. Any suggestions from those of you who have changed filters on this style of transmission?

The fluid has been changed out several times. I would like to change the transmission filter before the Trooper accumulates too many more miles.(110,000 miles on it now)

By the way, my Trooper was just in to the dealer to have the intake manifold gaskets replaced for the third time. When I first realized the gaskets were prone to failure, I honestly did not think it was possible to fail three times in 110,000 miles. Based on what the dealer said this may not be the last time either. I just wanted everyone to know since, from what I understand, there is no reason why multiple gasket failures could not happen to somebody else.

Thanks

support the trans and remove that 'cross bracing'.
i thought isuzu had changed the design of that gasket. no?

//bc

trooperbc,
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll probably end up going that route. I was just hoping to find a tool that would allow me to service the filter by just pulling off the pan itself. I don't exactly relish the thought of accidentally opening up and pulling off more things than I needed to.

Apparently, there is no fix for the gasket failures. At least not through Isuzu anyway. When I pushed for a solution, the service manager said that while he has been working at the dealership(less than a year) Isuzu came out with a TSB stating that the gaskets from the factory were overtightened. He said that the gaskets were prone to failing every 40,000 to 50,000 miles and that the TSB appears to have fixed the problem since nobody under his watch has returned with their Isuzu. Does anybody here put 40,000 to 50,000 miles on their Trooper in less than a year? I sure don't. His statement also does not take into account the multiple gasket failures for my Trooper.

Anyway, he kept trying to dodge around my questions. I finally got him to admit that since the gasket design hasn't been changed(copper with a plastic lining), there was a strong possibilty of failure in the future. At least Isuzu's 120,000 mile powertrain warranty covered my repair again. Although, he did try to get me to pay for the repair at first just like the last time the gasket failed.

Even though this can be frustrating at times, I can be very thankful the gaskets are the only problems I have had with my Trooper. Everything else has been solid. I think with the Trooper about to go out of warranty now would be a good time to invest in a shop manual. I could recover the cost of the manual with just one intake gasket failure.

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestion on servicing the transmission filter.
Bobby

i really like the factory manual, although pricey, and sometimes the organization can be a PITA
www.helminc.com (http://www.helminc.com) in case you don't know.

//bc

btw, the sticky FAQ at the top of the forum has some good info

http://isuzufaq.ibctech.ca/#faq58

//bc

Somebody had uploaded a CDROM with the shop manual for a Vehicross. Basically the same as the trooper. I have used it for a bunch of stuff. It may be on the sticky. If you can't find it, send me an email I'll make you a copy.

I have the tech manual for the 98-01 model trooper. It's a 20 mb pdf. I can upload it if anyone knows how or email it if your email can handle such a large attachment.