Fluid is seeping out around the pan of my 2 speed automatic transmission, so I'm going to replace the gasket. While I've got the pan off, I thought it might be a good idea to change the tranny filter. I have no idea what's involved though, ergo my question: how difficult is to replace the transmission filter, keeping in mind that the car will be on jack stands and I'll be on my back with about 3 inches between my nose and the tranny (as apposed to having it up on a hoist).
It's really not that bad. Make sure you get a filter kit for a ST-300 and not a Powerglide. Don't fully unbolt the pan, leave a bolt at each corner. Put your drain pan under the pan and then undo either the front/back bolts but leave the other 2 bolts in place. If you try removing all the bolts at once you tend to spill all the fluid on the floor and none of it makes it into the drain pan. Once the pan drains down you can remove the remaining bolts. Now you have a good view of the filter. Be sure to route the wiring correctly and I think there was a bolt holding the filter down. The filter also has a pressure fit that can be tight. Hope that helps.
Changing the filter will be simple. Just remove the pan as recommended by G.J. above. The filter will be held in place by a single bolt. I believe it has a 1/2 inch head on it.
Unbolt, pull out. Replace with new and bolt it in.
Most of these repairs are quite simple to do once you know what's involved; when you've never done them before though, it's hard to gauge how simple or complicated they might be. Your responses have given me the assurance I needed. Thanks
