Tranny oil change

[RCR70ss]

Looking for advice on the tranny oil change on a 2012 Gmc sierra 5.3 , i have always changed my own fluid and looking at the trans i noticed the exhaust was crossing the pan. is it a pain or is this something i can do in a pit ? the dealer wants 200 or so, and besides i like tranny oil in my hair and all over my shirt, makes me feel good lol thanks

[Bob D]

... i like tranny oil in my hair and all over my shirt, makes me feel good..

Ha Ha, we've all been there...

Although I cannot help you with your application, I would strongly suggest you look into retro-fit of oil pan w/ drain plug to make the job a lot easier in the future (Dorman offers one) assuming you've the 4L60E.

[2017SierraSLT]

The truck will have a 6L80E if it has a 5.3L.

[DaveH71]

Not hard at all with the 6l80e. You will need to either unbolt the y-pipe from the manifolds and let it hang or unbolt the trans from the crossmember and jack it up the whole way.

 

I usually do the trans jack method myself. Should need around 6 qts to refill.

[RCR70ss]

i ended up going to a shop i deal with and letting him change the tranny oil, both diff's and transer case oil, He said he opens the tranny pan removes the filter and cleans it out in place he did all that for 380.00. At least it's all done for another 40000 or so. thanks for the help here guys!

[esox07]

I asked my dealer for a quote on a tranny pan drop and filter change today. He said that my truck has a screen and they do a flush. I was kind of hoping to do mine myself, but I don't want to get it open which I understand takes God and his 12 Deciples with a full Snap On truck full of tools. But I want to know what I will find once I do get the pan down. Does anyone know for sure.

[2017SierraSLT]

[2017SierraSLT]

http://www.yourcovers.com/transpan_11025.php

[2017SierraSLT]

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/general-discussion/technical-maintenance/500778-6l80e-transmission-maint.html

[esox07]

Thanks 2013sierrasle:

What is the benefit of getting a deep tranny pan? Will it be easier to remove than the stock one, or is it just to allow more transmission fluid in the system?

[2017SierraSLT]

More fluid means it will stay cooler longer. The downside to those pans is off road clearance. Most trucks do not see the extreme off road, so that should not be a deterrent.

[esox07]

The problem I see with a deeper pan is that it would be even harder to get off than the stock one is now.

[fyarbrou]

I changed my fluid and filter out a month ago. The pan is a beitch. I just got the pan loose and used a clean towel to wipe it clean and clean the magnet while hanging down. I was able to remove the filter and put a new one on. I then purged out all of the fluid using the passenger side ATF return line.

 

Unless your fluid looks really bad my recommendation would be to leave the pan alone and buy 15 quarts of fluid and purge all of the ATF fluid using the drain 2 quarts fill 2 quarts method from the ATF return line. Just buy the adapter and about 10 feet of clear hose and run into a 5 gallon bucket with 2 quart marks on it. This is super easy and safe and can be done in 30 minutes.

[esox07]

Or this: http://www.silveradosierra.com/how-to-articles/how-to-pan-drop-and-filter-change-on-gmt900-4x4-six-speed-t442161.html