[A/S] Re: Transmission

["nickcrowhurst" <NickandSandra@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Harry, if your transmission has a drain plug, then it's no different 
to changing your engine oil, except that the transmission fluid 
filter is often inside the pan. I assume from your post that you have 
no drain plug. Removing the pan can pour 2 gallons of fluid on your 
head, as perhaps you discovered! The usual way is to remove all 
securing bolts except two at digonally opposite corners, then slowly 
loosen these the same amount until you can tilt the pan and pour the 
excess fluid out, as much as possible, into a large flat plastic used 
oilcontainer (Wal-mart for a few $$). Then release the final two with 
one hand, and then carefully lower the pan, which still contains a 
lot of fluid. You can then change the filter, if appropriate. This is 
still a messy business, so a good plan is buy a drain plug kit for 
about $10, drill a hole in the pan and fit your own drain plug. 
Manufacturers don't fit drain plugs so as to save a dollar or two, I 
suppose. An alternative is to buy an after-market replacement 
transmission sump pan. These usually have a drain plug, greater 
capacity for better cooling, aluminium finned construction for better 
cooling. About $150 to $200. A source for drain plugs and pans, at 
least for Dodge trucks, is Geno's Garage. (Google will find it on-
line). Another way to drain the fluid is to disconnect the output 
fluid line at the cooler, start the engine, put the transmission in 
neutral, and catch the fluid in a container. Stop the engine as soon 
as the fluid slows. This has the merit of draining the torque 
converter as well, but I would be nervous of using this technique. 
Good luck! Nick.