Hi everyone, I have a 97 XJ with 162k miles, 4.0 with 4 spd auto. I have been draining and topping off the trans. fluid over the past couple thousand miles and now it's time to change the trans filter. My question is, when I dropped the pan to drain the fluid the first time, I couldnt get the pan out because the dipstick tube is molded right into the side of the pan, one piece. How do I get the pan outta there?

 

i had to put pan back on with 2 bolts + heat up tube and twist. dont 4get mounting bolt at belhouseing. resealed with silicone to reinstall. good luck.

 

So your saying the tube is just pressed into the pan and I can heat it up and pull the elbow out, then reseal it with some silicone or #1 permatex?

 

not pressed. has a o-ring seal. mine was rusted and wouldnt move so went with heat. worked good, no leaks.

 

very cool thanks a million for the information, mine is purdy rusty aswell up here in NY, i'm sure plenty of PB blaster and heat will be used lol

 

only way to go so it stays round. less parts broke the better! we spend enough on our habit as it is already!!!

 

That's right and a little PM can go a long way

 

Tried to change the filter year back on my 96 and found the same problem. Could not detatch the tube, tried heat, removed the bracket holding the tube to the engine and still could not seperate the tube. Ended up leaving the pan hang and worked with my 1/4 drive ratchet and was able to get the bolts out and the filter replaced. Not as easy with the pan only 2 inches from transmission, but possible to change without droping the pan completely. The next change I had the garage to the exchange method with the machine. Looking at this type of exchange on the web showed at least 90% of fluid is exchanged rather than the amount in the pan. I figured I would pay a little more to have the exchange rather than spend another 2 or more hours trying to seperate that dam tube again.

 

Ours will never stick again. Small tubing cutter to get it off, 1/2" rubber fuel line and clamps to put 'er back on. Should be very easy next time.

 

djb383, I like what you did there, mind if I copy you? the fitting is rusted right into the pan and i'm not even going to risk touching it with pliers. Just going to take the tubing cutter like you did and slice the line, then put a piece of rubber hose over it. Cool, Thanks a million.

 

Git 'er done.

 

The pan with full dipstick will actually drop out of the bottom on a cherokee with stock lift, and not jacked up. The tube may protest at first, but all you need to do is check for tangled wires, then slip a socket over the top and tap it a few times with a BFH. The pan/tube assembly will drop, and you can finangle it out from underneath. It's much easier to torch the slip joint with the assembly out of the car. I went over the joint (inside and out) with a wire wheel and wire-wheel-like dremel attachment. New o-ring, nice coat of anti-seize, and she's good to go.

 

Took more time to snap pics than it did to use the tubing cutter. LOL

 

Wow that is really clean under there.

 

When I replaced my Tranny filter I just lifted the jeep up on jack stands, drained the fluid out and took the pan out with the dipstick still attached. I ended up having to take out the cross member and had to twist the pan around until I got it just right before I could get it out all the way but all said and done probly only took an extra 10 mins, plus having to clean up the additional ATF from the bottom of the pan that spills out onto the floor.