Transmission Fluid Pan Not Just Dropping Down

Hey all, I am a new first gen owner and I have been doing a bunch of maintenance to it. I’m running into an issue with dropping the transmission pan. I have a 1998, v6, 4x4, automatic, Tacoma. I have drained all the fluid and undone all the bolts and separated the pan from the transmission. However, I seem to not have enough clearance to get the pan out. Are there other components I need to remove? This all started because I am taking the starter out and figured by not having that transmission dip stick tube I can slide the starter out and I knew I was going to service the transmission so i figured might as well. If anyone has any experience with this issue or any tips they would all be much appreciated.

 

If I were you I would not bother dropping the transmission pan at all for service. Sure, there might be some residue in the bottom of the pan but it shouldn't bother anything. Just drain the fluid and refill it.

If you really want to remove the pan, maybe post a photo or two on here to show the obstructions. Last time I looked at a 99 4x4 tacoma v6 it didn't look like anything was really in the way.

 

Second this, pics would be helpful. Shouldn’t be any obstruction. Unless you didn’t separate the pan with something like this -

$25 Lisle 50210 Gasket Separator

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NMH7TY4

 

Wow! I've never seen that tool before.

 

If your truck looks like this one, I can't imagine what would be in the way.

 

Thank you guys for your response. I too think there should be no obstructions. Here are some pics.

 

Maybe your pan gasket is just super stuck then?

 

I have tried to manipulate it in every way and it will not slide out easily. Maybe it’s a me problem but it does not seem to come out. The gasket is free and the pan is separated

 

Maybe search a timmy the toolman video on youtube about transmission service and see what he did

 

Thank you Koco for you help. I will try that. Most videos show it being easy lol.

 

I don’t know how his video didn’t pop up before! But yes he says you need to remove the sway bar! Thank you

 

You might need to pry on it a bit, the FIPG is sticky. Don’t bend the pan!!!

 

There are less expensive versions of that tool on Amazon and I'm sure you can source locally at the auto parts store. Trust me when I say it makes life a lot easier.

 

I used a putty knife

 

Yep. Razor blades are a friend here. FIPG works great, but if applied properly it really sticks