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PPE Transmission Pan Install

darleyhavidson
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darleyhavidson Enthusiast

darleyhavidson

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Installed the PPE transmission pan today when changing fluid and filter.  Pretty nice piece.  Although the gasket they supply is laughable compared to the factory gasket.  I cleaned and reused the factory gasket.  For the cost, supplying the factory gasket (or gasket of similar quality) would be prudent.  I did not replace the filter seal, mainly due being uncertain how to effectively get a tool up there without damaging machined surface.  If I wasn't laying on my back doing the installation, I may have tackled it.

 

I also purchased their thermal bypass as well and installed it.  Pretty straightforward install.  I like that is has a magnetic trap that can be periodically removed and cleaned.

 

I also installed the dipstick in the transmission as well.  Finally, a suitable setup and am very happy to be able to easily check the fluid level and condition.

Vehicle in question: 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD with 6.6l gas

 

Picture attached to show size difference between factory and aftermarket pan.

 

20260314_081932(1).jpg

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bruceb58 Enthusiast

bruceb58

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Posted

Why not just use

26 minutes ago, darleyhavidson said:

I also installed the dipstick in the transmission as well.  Finally, a suitable setup and am very happy to be able to easily check the fluid level and condition.

 

 

 

The level plug that the transmission pan comes with is not sufficient?

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darleyhavidson Enthusiast

darleyhavidson

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10 hours ago, bruceb58 said:

Why not just use

The level plug that the transmission pan comes with is not sufficient?

I suppose the level plug in the pan in sufficient.  I would rather not get the creeper out and roll under the truck each time to check fluid.  I'd rather have the capability in the engine bay when I am checking the other fluid levels/conditions.  

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Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

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Posted
13 hours ago, darleyhavidson said:

I suppose the level plug in the pan in sufficient.  I would rather not get the creeper out and roll under the truck each time to check fluid.  I'd rather have the capability in the engine bay when I am checking the other fluid levels/conditions.  

That’s just Bruce being Bruce. He’s jealous he doesn’t have a transmission dipstick. 
 

His question didn’t even require an answer. 
 

having the dipstick is nice, youre right. 

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topdj Enthusiast

topdj

Posted
Posted

I got both ppe bypass and pan with extra quart. So you reused pan gasket?

Temp drops a fair amount with bypass. 

darleyhavidson Enthusiast

darleyhavidson

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31 minutes ago, topdj said:

I got both ppe bypass and pan with extra quart. So you reused pan gasket?

Temp drops a fair amount with bypass. 

 

I did reuse the pan gasket.  One of the better designed parts by GM.  Same style as the rear differential gasket.  

It is hard to tell if the temp decreased, because where I live the ambient temperature has been in the single digits.  But I have noticed a 20 degree decrease in trans operating temperature based on my 45 mile highway commute.  When the weather warms up I will have a better idea.

bruceb58 Enthusiast

bruceb58

Posted
Posted
On 3/15/2026 at 6:12 AM, darleyhavidson said:

I suppose the level plug in the pan in sufficient.  I would rather not get the creeper out and roll under the truck each time to check fluid.  I'd rather have the capability in the engine bay when I am checking the other fluid levels/conditions.  

You do it once when you fill the transmission. Unless you have a leak, the ATF level will never change!

Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, bruceb58 said:

You do it once when you fill the transmission. Unless you have a leak, the ATF level will never change!

Same with the engine oil. You should remove your oil dipstick. Just don’t comment if you don’t like it Brad, I mean Bruce. 

bruceb58 Enthusiast

bruceb58

Posted
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Pryme said:

Same with the engine oil. You should remove your oil dipstick. Just don’t comment if you don’t like it Brad, I mean Bruce. 

The big difference is your engine consumes oil Dick!

 

The 10 speed uses the same style fill check as the 6 speed...works just fine. 

 

You recheck your diffs and transfer case after you fill them too?

Edited by bruceb58
Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted
On 3/19/2026 at 9:11 PM, bruceb58 said:

The big difference is your engine consumes oil Dick!

 

The 10 speed uses the same style fill check as the 6 speed...works just fine. 

 

You recheck your diffs and transfer case after you fill them too?

You know it’s obviously better to be able to check the trans fluid from up above then going under the truck. You’re just being obtuse. 
 

Maybe a guy just towed a heavy load up though the mountains and wants to see and smell his fluid. Sure a guy could go lay under the truck and go through that silly process or he could open his hood and pull the stick. Really tough choice. 

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newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted
On 3/14/2026 at 11:04 PM, bruceb58 said:

Why not just use

The level plug that the transmission pan comes with is not sufficient?

 

On 3/15/2026 at 9:12 AM, darleyhavidson said:

I suppose the level plug in the pan in sufficient.  I would rather not get the creeper out and roll under the truck each time to check fluid.  I'd rather have the capability in the engine bay when I am checking the other fluid levels/conditions.  

 

 

Devil's advocate here...

 

Who says the dipstick is going to have the level correct?  GM didn't build it with one to begin with and engineered the pan to have the level set/check plug and the tube in the pan to the correct fluid level.  

 

The fact that even PPE engineered it to have a level set/check plug like the OEM plug also tells me that the plug is the most accurate measure.  

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KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

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5 minutes ago, newdude said:

 

 

 

Devil's advocate here...

 

Who says the dipstick is going to have the level correct?  GM didn't build it with one to begin with and engineered the pan to have the level set/check plug and the tube in the pan to the correct fluid level.  

 

The fact that even PPE engineered it to have a level set/check plug like the OEM plug also tells me that the plug is the most accurate measure.  

Same difference. I’ve never had a transmission leak and burn up. But after a hard pull I liked pulling the stick and take a whiff and look at the color. I’d pull the fluid out of the stick tube measure out put that amount in. Then I check the stick cold or hot on level ground. Easy peasy. I could do it wearing a suit. Now craw under the vehicle. No!

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Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted
23 minutes ago, newdude said:

 

 

 

Devil's advocate here...

 

Who says the dipstick is going to have the level correct?  GM didn't build it with one to begin with and engineered the pan to have the level set/check plug and the tube in the pan to the correct fluid level.  

 

The fact that even PPE engineered it to have a level set/check plug like the OEM plug also tells me that the plug is the most accurate measure.  

It’s accurate. Mine reads the proper amount unless it’s filled wrong from GM which I wouldn’t say is impossible. But it will also lend itself to easier fluid changes from up top. 
 

 

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newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted
45 minutes ago, Pryme said:

It’s accurate. Mine reads the proper amount unless it’s filled wrong from GM which I wouldn’t say is impossible. But it will also lend itself to easier fluid changes from up top. 
 

 

 

 

Have you compared the check plug method vs the dipstick?  As in still have the stock pan and then added the stick to verify this?  

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Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted
10 hours ago, newdude said:

 

 

Have you compared the check plug method vs the dipstick?  As in still have the stock pan and then added the stick to verify this?  

I have a 22. It has the stock pan in it still. I just added the trans the and stick. 

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