So I've got a '98 Disco that lost a front drive shaft. It trashed the end of the shaft, smashed the floor pan a bit, dented the transmission pan and crushed the dipstick tube. I got all the parts at the junk yards a couple days ago and started tearing in today.


Here's my problem: I can't get the transmission pan out. I pulled the bolts for the crossmember and tried to slide it down enough for the pan to clear the valve body, but there's not enough room between the member and the exhaust.


Any ideas? I really don't want to drop the entire exhaust just for a transmission pan. I mean I've worked on some nasty cars before, but there's gotta be a better way to get this pan out.

 

Far as I know got to drop the y pipe, yup it sucks ***

 

So much for a bargin Got all the parts for $58 and by the time I deal with busted exhaust studs, 3 flange gaskets and a whole bunch of busted knuckles it'll be a 3 day job and cost over $100.

Don't even get me started on the fact that to replace the flange bolts at the transfer case I have to pull the drive flange. I'm starting to dislike this thing...

 

You're gonna be in for a long haul if you're already frustrated.
You can replace the downpipe flange studs with a regular nut/bolt.

 

i reuse the gaskets unless you f em up

soak the studs well before starting, at the muffler those are just nut/bolt on mine don't recall a gasket there

 

Once I got over the depression of such a small job getting so out of hand, I got to pulling the exhaust. With the pan lowered I can see the pan was not the reason (or not the only reason) for the leak.

On the top side of the flared out section of the transmission where the pan and valve body and such go, there is about a 2"x3" oval chunk of transmission MISSING. I test drove this truck before digging into it and the transmission seemed fine, so that leads me to believe the hole is superficial.

Anyone know a way to do some kind of patch or something? Or is this transmission just a goner?

 

Pic?

You got the missing piece?

 

I can't really get a good pic with it still in the truck, but I grabbed a stock pic and highlighted the approximate location, size, and shape... and the missing piece is no where to be found. I'm sure it's on the side of the freeway back in Texas somewhere.

 

Wow if you can see into the trans you need a replacement IMO, hate to say it

 

You do not need to fully remove the Y pipe. I serviced my 98 D1 transmission oil and filter today. I just slide the cross member forward and down after dropping only the sway bar and the three bolts on the top of each pipe on the Y pipe. Then you can remove the pan through the Y pipe by coming down and turning it 90 degrees counter clockwise before dropping the narrow end of the pan through the pipes. Took around 3 hours including time spend digging through my 50 lb bolt drawer after I damaged some of the long bolts for the cross member.