Dropping the A/T pan without a mess - here's how

[ohnoitsyu]

Recently, I did my first ATF change on my 06. At the same time I wanted to install a Mag Hytec double-deep pan. I've dropped pans before, but usually over a pit/ATF pan, but it's still a mess.



I've also read where people drill a small hole in the stock pan to drain it. While this works - presuming you don't drill in the wrong area - I wanted to keep my stock pan, in case I decide to sell the truck I could easily reinstall the stock pan.



Here's what I did:

I fed a syphon hose down the ATF filler tube, with the other end in a bucket. I squeezed the bulb to get the fluid moving, then the ATF simply drained into my bucket. After that, I carefully unbolted and lowered the pan onto a milk box. Although the syphon hose can't go all the way to the bottom of the pan, it did drain enough fluid, leaving the fluid height about 3/4-1" from the top of the pan. After that, I simply removed the pan from underneath the vehicle, and drained it into my bucket. While doing this, I used a plastic pan sitting underneath the transmission to catch the drips.



No fuss, no mess.



I reinstalled the new pan and filled and refilled the transmission with fluid and properly checked the fluid level.



This method worked out very well. I had never read or heard of doing it this way, but it seemed so simple.

 

[NKenny]

Clever idea.



I like the idea in the latest TDR where a small hole is drilled and then later tapped for a plug.

 

[MMoroney]

I've always used a large plastic trash can lid with a small hole poked in the center. Flip it upside down, set it in a drain pan and it becomes a large funnel to catch fluid and the pan as you carefully let it down.

 

[Bertram65]

Did you change the filter?

When I changed mine I just bought a cheap low profile storage bin that was about 1. 5' X 2' and about 5" deep worked great, just centered it on the pan and took the bolts out until it was held by just a couple then after it drained lowered it into the bin with what was left in the pan.

 

[DeezelDood]

Seems like a good a good idea to me. Whatever works. You do it only once then you install a BM drain plug, problem is over. Many year ago I tried the poor man's version of this. Used a clear hose and sucked on the hose until fluid appeared. I'm a bit smarter now.