Transmission pan removal

USA1

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
130 MILES

I have the XLT model, SOHC.

I need to take the transmission pan off.

It appears that the catalytic converter is in the way.
I removed the pan bolts drained the fluid.

But I cannot get it past the converter.

Can you confirm that the converter has to come out to get the pan off?

3 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,573 POSTS

Hello, welcome to 2CarPros.

Unless someone changed the converter or used some odd aftermarket exhaust parts the pan should unbolt and drop down with plenty of room.
If the exhaust has been altered and is blocking the pan from getting around the valve body or the filter then you could either move the exhaust or see if removing the rear transmission and transfer case mount bolts would allow you to lift it a bit for clearance.

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Sunday, September 16th, 2018 AT 11:29 PM

USA1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have had the car since new and it is the original exhaust. The catalytic converter is on the passenger side of the pan.

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Monday, September 17th, 2018 AT 4:43 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,573 POSTS

The pan on any of them I have worked on was a clear path. There were a couple exhausts used, the early units had two larger converters, the later ones used three converters. Do not recall needing to move the exhausts on them though. But if it is in the way and you cannot move it enough to get the pan out then you will need to remove or at least unbolt it to get the room. Nothing in the service information says anything different. Just remove the bolts, drain the fluid, drop the pan, change the filter and reverse the process.

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Monday, September 17th, 2018 AT 12:49 PM