Silverado '00 Transmision pan removal

[Greek]

I've changed transmission filters in both my Dodge Van and Oldsmobile by dropping the pan etc. with no problem. Yesterday I set out to do the same with my 2000 5.3 Silverado (36,000 miles). First I went to remove the drain plug and could not get the bolt off. Then I removed all the bolts holding up the pan except one in the corner which is behind the transmission shift cable. There was no way I could fit a flexible socket in there or a small 13mm wrench to get that bolt off.

Any suggestions? I really don't want to take the shift cable apart. What about the drain bolt, anyone have a similar problem?

[bigtruck21]

there is similar posts in the 1500 light duty section