Andrew16v

I'm trying to change the fluid and filter in my 2001 aw4 equipped xj and the previous owner used rtv instead of the gasket. I want to remove the pan so I can scrape the crap off, but I can't wiggle the pan out because the dip stick is all bent in a way that goes around the trany. I unbolted it but I still can't manage to get it out. Any help?

djb383

Never could get the dip stick tube to separate on our '98 XJ.....that little o-ring is tight. Here's what we did and it will be a lot easier the next tranny pan drop.

Small tubing cutter
1/2" rubber fuel line
clamps

JeepingDan

I had to heat mine to get it apart. Then just put a new o-ring on it with grease for future servicing easier.

98 JeepJeep

AW4 comes from factory with Pink RTV.

irishgobrah

If you search enough, the general consensus is to only do a fluid flush (3x) instead of trying to drop that GD pan. I tried on my old 93 XJ and I aged about 10 years in the process. Supposedly that "filter" isn't anything more than a screen that is not worth the hassle. Also, I have seen guys undoing the bolt that is on the dipstick and dropping it with the pan.

98 JeepJeep

it is a "screen" and normally only gets replaced when the trans is rebuilt.

I would simply remove the plug and drain the oil...

djb383

I sleep better at night knowing we put in a new filter.

Andrew16v

Man, I wish I checked this before I left the shop throwing in the towel for the weekend! DJ that's a nice way around the whole situation. I'll definitely take that route after I try popping it off. I didn't know that dipstick tube came out of it, I thought it was press fitted or something. Admittedly I didn't do much research before I tackled this. I submarined the jeep last weekend and wanted to replace all the fluids. I noticed when I bought it a couple of months ago it looked like it was leaking so I figured to go the whole 9 with it. Now it's become quite the headache. I'm glad I'm doing it though now hearing that the factory uses pink RTV, that means the rear diff cover and trany pan haven't been off for 132k miles! Anyway thanks for the replys.

98 JeepJeep

my Dana 30 front still has the pink RTV at 170k.