Transmission pan woes

[Vdawg1115]

So yesterday Was the first time I serviced my H3 since I got it. About 3,000 miles ago. I changed the oil to Mobil1 synthetic and the T-case to synthetic Dexron VI per my manual. I also got started on the transmission fluid change. I used the write-up Alrock made a while back as a guide. Everything went fine. Removed the front prop shaft, started unscrewing transmission pan bolts. But there is one bolt I can't get to. There is a bracket not present in other write ups and pictures. It looks like it is holding up an exhaust mount or something, but it connects to the crossmember. I tried unscrewing it but I could only undo one bolt that didn't seem to help much. Then I tried the remove the crossmember and when the TCase started lowering I freaked out and bolted the crossmember right back into place. Not sure how to remove that last bolt.

Should also mention mine mine is a 2010 Alpha. Has that flex fuel badge. Not sure if all that makes a difference.

 

[alrock]

Yeah, that would be an additional exhaust on the V8, which I don't have. From the angle of the pics it looks like you can get to stuff. I know those with V8s have done this change, maybe they can offer up some wisdom.

 

[Ordieh]

Yep, dropping the pan on the ALPHA is a pain. Not only do you have to loosen/ rotate the exhaust hanger, but you have to loosen the shifter mechanism on the drivers side and the heat shield on the passenger side. I have found that neither has to be removed, but back the bolts out to where they are just barely threaded in the case and the pan will clear. When reinstalling the rear pan bolts, be careful and make sure that they are rotated a couple of turns with your fingers before using your flex socket to take them further . The " thinner" your socket/ extension , the better when you torque the pan bolts cross the rear of the pan. Best of luck!

 

[Vdawg1115]

Ok. So it's a V8 thing. Blessing and a curse. lol. Will give it a shot tomorrow when I have more time. I'll look for a "flex socket"(?).

 

[Vdawg1115]

Picked these up, hopefully they'll do the trick

 

[Vdawg1115]

So I was able to remove all the pan bolts and the heat shields. Struggling with the exhaust hanger and shifter mechanism. Not sure how to loosen the shifter mechanism, all I see is a bolt that attaches directly to the side of the tranny, but when I turn it, it pulls a cable or something. Also, the exhaust hanger.....how the heck? I can see one bolt that secured a wrap, and two others that attach to something else and they are difficult to get to.

 

[Vdawg1115]

So after trying many times to remove the transmission pan, I am still stuck. Can't get the passenger side bolt for the exhaust mount bracket to loosen. I have been able to remove the transmission filter though. Am I okay just replacing the filter, keeping the old gasket and refilling the tranny at this point? I used a hand pump to empty the tranny pan.....I am exhausted. I'm no mechanic so this is stressful as hell for me.

 

[CaseyS]

Can you unbolt the cross member? Just put a jack under the pan with a block of wood to not damage the pan. This will support the trans and xfer case while you drop the cross member. After the crossmember is out you can either block the transfer case to support it or just lower the jack and let the whole thing sag. Its all attached to the engine and motor mounts, it can't go anywhere.

You probably have to let it sag like that when you pull the transmission, just to get to the top bell housing bolt.

 

[Vdawg1115]

Can you unbolt the cross member? Just put a jack under the pan with a block of wood to not damage the pan. This will support the trans and xfer case while you drop the cross member. After the crossmember is out you can either block the transfer case to support it or just lower the jack and let the whole thing sag. Its all attached to the engine and motor mounts, it can't go anywhere.

You probably have to let it sag like that when you pull the transmission, just to get to the top bell housing bolt.

I can unbolt the crossmember. I did on one of my early attempts but when I saw the TCase drop I freaked out and bolted it right back up. I guess using something to support it would help. I can certainly try that. Well, another attempt tomorrow.