Aisin pan bolt trick

[STeichert]

I have an ‘18 3500 with an aisin for a work truck and an identical ‘17 for my personal truck. I could get a 1/4” socket with an extension between the pan and crossmember on the ‘18 to remove the four bolts no problem, but on the ‘17 the gap was smaller and it wouldn’t fit. After a little grumbling and thinking I grabbed a set of goldenrod barb wire stretchers and hooked them on the transfer case, and the crossmember and put a little tension on them. The give in the rubber transmission and engine mounts was plenty to open the gap enough to get the socket in easily. I think a come along or ratchet strap would also do the trick. I was careful where I placed the stretcher on the transfer case as to not damage it, but the force needed to move the transmission was minimal. I hope the pic helps visualize what I did. Hopefully this help someone out on those bolts!

 

[Cummins12V98]

On mine the socket won’t go straight to the bolt. I slide the extension from the side.

 

[Bug Out]

I use a 1/4" drive socket and "wobble" extension with the socket ...works perfect. The idea was from a peep on this board.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I discussed the topic in Issues 97, 98, 112.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I use a 1/4" drive socket and "wobble" extension with the socket ...works perfect. The idea was from a peep on this board.

YEP, this is MUCH easier than lifting trans. I also use contact gasket spray to hold gasket in place, thanks "GS"!!!

I just modified a 10mm socket by grinding down the outside diameter and grinding the end to allow just the bolt head to fit. Painted it RED so I won't loose it.

 

[bcbender]

I'd employ and overwhelming abundance of caution side loading the engine mount / trans mount bushings by using the T-case to force the massive weight of the T-case+AS69RC+Cummins6.7 forwards... I personally will use Cummins12V98 Lil Red Socket approach to remove all risk of some damage.. That's alot of weight, I doubt Stelantis calculated the contact stress on the AL housing for such a task....

 

[Topzide]

@Cummins12V98 ,Isn't it great to make the tool you need! I'm always checking yard sales and flea markets for extra sockets and wrenches to cut, bend, weld or anything else to make the job smoother the next time. I've got a couple of wrenches put together with very odd sizes to fit a particular task at hand. I also paint different colors to show trim, engine, trans or chassis TIG welded rod to side that allows allen to fit through for set screw. Will make the next time much easier! We don't need the special service tools, Just a welder, porta-band, grinder and some paint!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Yea I was cussing the whole time trying to use the 10mm socket I had helping a friend with his change. Little "RED" will do the trick next time!!!

 

[SnoKing]

Yea I was cussing the whole time trying to use the 10mm socket I had helping a friend with his change. Little "RED" will do the trick next time!!!

I think we used my 10mm socket and my 1/4 wobbly extension without an issue, when we did mine. EZ PZ!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I think we used my 10mm socket and my 1/4 wobbly extension without an issue, when we did mine. EZ PZ!

Yours is "SMALLER"