any tips for changing my trans filter/gasket/rear seal?

[txchainsawgogi]

i've got all the parts ready to go...i just need to wait for my day off!

[Irish_Alley]

What I do is use some thread and tie the gasket onto the pan in a couple spots to help hold it in place. Others use some sort of gasket maker and tac it in place

[roger97338]

Wear safety goggles! There isn't a good way to prevent a large sploosh of trans fluid once that pan comes loose. Have plenty of hand cleaner available, too.

[Irish_Alley]

If you loosen the bolts on one side and remove them on the other it will let the fluid poor out that side

[roger97338]

If you loosen the bolts on one side and remove them on the other it will let the fluid poor out that side

Yes it does. Not as nicely as a drain plug though.

[Irish_Alley]

Yeah you might wana look for one lol.

[txchainsawgogi]

What about for the rear seal? I've never removed a drive shaft!

[Irish_Alley]

Remove the clamps at the rear that hold the u joint in place. You might have to pry the shaft free but once it does tape around the u joint so the two caps wont fall off. Slide the shaft free from the transmission you will lose fluid if the trans is full so wait till you empty it. You can use a screwdriver or the seal tool to pry the old seal out. Then use a 2x4 or something that will have contact all around the seal cause it has to go in flush.  then tap it in place with a hammer with the 2x4 in between the hammer and seal so you also don't damage the seal. 

[beastie_3]

Yeah you might wana look for one lol.

X2 I dont know why pans dont come with drain plugs.

[txchainsawgogi]

The seal came with a metal shim....what do I do with that?

[Dr_Snooz]

Throw the factory pan away as soon as you get it off. Then clean up the mess it makes. Then replace it with a pan that has a drain plug. The best way to seat a new seal is to use the old seal flipped over. It fits perfectly and you can beat on it with impunity. Coat the new seal with a little oil before putting it on.

[beastie_3]

Throw the factory pan away as soon as you get it off.

X2, they have some that hold 2-3 more qts too. Summit has one that is thick aluminum. I have one and the flange doesnt warp if its too tight.

The best way to seat a new seal is to use the old seal flipped over. It fits perfectly and you can beat on it with impunity.

Huh??

[roger97338]

I've had my eye on those trans pans in the Summit catalog! Those things look great; They're more rigid than the flimsy factory piece, they have cooling fins or hollow tubes, increased fluid capacity, drain plugs, some have a fitting for a temp gauge....now if they were within the budget of the woefully unemployed (me), that would be most excellent!

[beastie_3]

When you can get one, get one. i love it. Mine has the cooling fins. I figured the tubes could get clogged up with mud. Mine doesnt have a temp fitting, but Im going to put one in the cooler line anyways. Its easy to add one in the pan though, its thick.

[txchainsawgogi]

What's the fuid capacity of a th350 2wd in a 78 long bed?