Trans fluid change, filter change, diff fluid change

[kkamakasi]

I'm looking to do the items mentioned in the title.

1). What is the best place to get the trans filter and gasket? Best to stick to OEM? I found gmpartsdirect.com and the prices seem reasonable compared to the local stealership prices..

2). I can't figure out if the van has a deep or shallow pan.

3). Do I need a gasket for the differential or do I use a sealant?

MY2003 Chevy Astro Cargo

[leadtrombone]

I have had good luck so far with discountautoparts.com

Good prices and quick shipping. Then again I don't have much in the wa of parts stir around me. So I rely on places that can ship quick. I would say that any decent auto parts store should have the tranny stuff. The 4L60 is a pretty universal transmission from what I can tell.

Don't quote me on the measurements but I thin I saw that the regular pan is about 1 1/4 inch deep and the deep pan about 3" . I think it's pretty safe to assume that the stock pan is the shallow one.

Anyone else have specifics.


I think the diff wants a gasket. But I might be spouting smoke on that.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

A quick search found this: linky link. This will tell you the dimensions of the pans and it is not 1.25" for the shallow one.

The filter and gasket can be bought at any auto parts store. If you service regularly at 30k miles your trans will thank you.

You can use a gasket for the rear diff but I always use RTV and let it cure for 24 hours before filling.

[leadtrombone]

Sorry. 2.25" for the shallow.

I knew there was a quarter in there. Sorry again.


Just wish I could find all the ones I lost in the couch. (quarters that is).

[MountainManJoe]

My 2000 has a deep pan, and so should yours, but all you need to do is take a quick look at it. The deep pans are stepped whereas the shallow ones are flat.

I myself use a gasket for the differential cover, because I don't want to clean off RTV sealant the next time I do it. It's takes too much time scraping it off two surfaces, the bolts, and holes. The next time I get one, I'm going to try and find a rubber one, because the fibre ones are thin and you really have to crank down the bolts to make it seal. Who knows, maybe you can even re-use rubber if it's thick enough.

[kkamakasi]

Well, I called around several GM dealerships to confirm that my 2003 Astro (cargo) has a transmission pan depth of 76.6mm. Translated into "dumb" units, it's ~3 inches, which leads me to believe I have a deep pan. Just thought I'd share for references.

[kkamakasi]

Well, I don't know WHY!!!! but every single car I work on has those stupid differential fill/drain plugs that the 1/2" drive fits not so snuggly..

Same goes for the Astro. I tried removing the fill plug to do the diff fluid change and of course I ended up stripping the crap out of it.

The plug is not deep enough for the 1/2" drive to comfortable sit in and it's not tight enough for the 1/2" drive for me to really pound on it.. the perfect combination for stripping.

Whoever at GM decided to use this plug should be shot.

Anyways. What are my options here? Anyone go through this before?

[Rileysowner]

No ideas on getting a stripped one out, but when I did mine (speaking of which I think I am due to do the diff again) applying lots of heat to the fill plug area got it out no problem. Also a good clean out of the place where the socket went in so it could go all the way in helps.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

All the Astro/Safari diff's I have worked on take a 3/8" square socket extension. You could always take a bolt and weld it onto the plug and turn it out that way. Apply heat to the housing around the plug and it should loosen up.

[kkamakasi]

All the Astro/Safari diff's I have worked on take a 3/8" square socket extension. You could always take a bolt and weld it onto the plug and turn it out that way. Apply heat to the housing around the plug and it should loosen up.

I know you're the site admin and all but I'd have to disagree with you on this. The 3/8" drive is just a few hairs short of fitting snuggly. What you actually need to PROPERLY remove this retarded plug is this.



http://ultimatetoolco.com/10mmdrainsocket.aspx.

It's a 10mm drain plug socket, specifically made for these drain plugs. No more small wobbles, no more not being able to fit the 3/8" drive all the way into the plug, no more trying to hold the breaker bar while making sure the 3/8" drive is still somewhat in the plug.

Anywho, I found an exhaust shop that said they will be able to weld an extension for $30 so I'll most likely go that route. I'm also going to keep the plug with the extension welded on it and use it again as a new drain plug will end up exactly the same the next time I mess with it.

STUPID FILL PLUGS!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I have no problem with you disagreeing with me. I agree with you that the 3/8" is a touch loose but normally the rust and grime fills the void. Plus the fact NOBODY I know has ever had a 10mm extension or plug removal tool. What I find works awesome is a 6" 3/8 extension and a long handled ratchet.

[kkamakasi]

It's the first time I'm seeing them too. They also have one that's 13mm for diff fill/drain plugs that require a "slightly-too-small" 1/2" drive.

I'm sure people in the industry (stealerships, mechanics, etc..) have these tools.

[afsigma21]

I am struggling with the 3/8 extension. It wont grab and is starting to stip out the plug. If I cant get the plug out, from the outside, is there anything i can do to help it from the inside?

I have not taken the diff cover off yet, but I know this job needs done.

[crash]

I realize you've already got the depth from the stealership. here's a great obvious visible comparison between the two pans

I wasn't sure about the part numbers, so I grabbed both kits and took photos. I'll post them here to benefit those planning to do this job...

4L60-E (years?)

with deep pan


Shallow pan


These are both factory GM pans, just from different year vans.

Transmission filter for deep pan (WIX#58847)

It has an all plastic shell. The feet are there so the filter doesn't get sucked against the bottom surface of the pan and restrict the flow (evidently this was a problem in the past)

for shallow pan (WIX#58904)

Metal shell. Filter is not as thick as the deep version, and it's missing the feet.

Also notice the overall shapes of the two are different, and the crooked necks (?).

Here is the transmission pan gasket. It is the same for both.

taken from this thread

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I am struggling with the 3/8 extension. It wont grab and is starting to stip out the plug. If I cant get the plug out, from the outside, is there anything i can do to help it from the inside?

I have not taken the diff cover off yet, but I know this job needs done.

Get some heat around the plug. An oxy/acetylene setup works best. I suppose MAPP gas would work too. Get it pretty hot and make sure the extension is seated in as far as you can get it...clean the rust and dirt out of the hole.