2000 Dakota 3.9l 4x4 auto. Going to attempt tranny fluid and filters change. Also adjusting bands. I have band adjustment tutorial from forum search. Does the pan use a gasket or do I use silicon? Are there better aftermarket filters? Is there anything additional I should do while pan is off?

 

Having any shifting issues? Or are you just doing maintenance? If it's just maintenance, then nope, fluid/filter/adjust bands, and yer done. Some filter kits come with the really nice Viton gasket, that is re-usable. The cork fellers really don't seal all that well. Biggest thing is to make sure the pan sealing surface is actually flat, and don't over-torque the bolts.

 

I buy a Felpro gasket. Much better quality than the cheap ones that usually comes with the filter kits.
Consider buying a new pan too. They're pretty cheap and a new pan will have a drain plug, no deformations, no rust, and you don't have to clean it!

 

Mostly maintenance. There is some slippage under hard acceleration from 2nd to 3rd

 

DON'T use rtv for the trans pan please. There is always excess to ooze out, and it has to go somewhere. That which oozes to the inside of the pan,who knows where it will wind up. I never use it, there are damn few gaskets that someone don't make a regular gasket for. Even on a rear end I get a paper gasket for.