Notes on transmission pan conversion
06 LR3 94k miles
Total time 7 hours, I took a break.
1. I Used 4 drive up ramps to raise truck. Worked great. I'lll use that method for all work from now on.
2. Mini T40 ratcheting bit holder. The handle had an 9mm allen in it so I could add an extension. Worked better than expected. Bolts came off fast and easy.
3. Removing and installing the oil pan skid plate bracket consumed 3 hours of time alone.
Get an 8mmm ratcheting wrench. I gave up on installing the bolt with the two brackets.
Any tricks? Smaller bolt?
4. It took 5.25 liters of ZF lifeguard
6. Used high tack spray on the gasket. Gasket still slid around, was easy to line up. Take your time.
7. Used a thermometer gun. Why haven't I had one of these before? All the campfire pancake making I have been missing out on.
Did the second fill@ 52c. It is like a real life "operation" game with the top prize a filled trans and consequences of failure a new tattoo burned in your arm. I used an oven glove and situational awareness. Used a off the rack screw on the top oil pump.
8. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, OPEN THE FILL PLUG WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
Nothing more to add to that.
9. Did not "chase" the bolt holes per the instructions. This stressed me out. I called AB and they said they were not aware of the need to chase and that no one had ever asked the question. The one page instructions clearly states that.
I dipped a new supplied bolt in oil, then I slowly hand tightened it in a bolt hole. Dry, no pan, just the clean matting surface of the trans.
Some junk came out, then I hit it with the brake fluid cleaner. After all of them I declared all the holes cleaned and chased.
The new bolts are easier get on, good body placement is key.
Pan slides on at 90 degrees, then torqued up to 10 nm. I heard 8 nm but I was lucky to get it all that far. Plus, the new pan is metal. ???
10. Saw old pan off. Take you time. I was worried I was going to bugger up something important. Lower the blast shield, trust your senses.
11. Did no touch the sleeve. Not leaking. The kit included one FYI
I called it good.
Did I mention that trans skid plate bracket was the worst part of the entire experience?
Almost made me think $800 to have it done might be well worth the mental trauma.