Zman, you're gonna have to explain it to me. What is the difference between these different plugs?

Dorman


Spectre


A different dorman at Autozone

I kinda like the last one since it has two gaskets one for inside and one for outside. It is also the cheapest @ $2.99. I may just run out and get one and keep it on hand for when needed. They all seem to be two simple nuts with a bolt down the middle. If it wasn't for the neoprene type gaskets I could probably just pull out a couple from my spare nuts and bolts bin and use that instead. My concern is that if I did that they would leak.

 

Can't find the B&M in Sweden so....
I think it will work fine, otherwise there is something called silicone.. LOL

 

Nothing between the ones in those pics you posted. But as you can see, there is a gasket for the plug you remove to drain the fluid. The B&M has no gasket for the small plug. It is pipe thread.

I tried one similar to the ones in your pic on my 98. The gasket was instantly ruined at a torque I was comfortable with. (so worried about it coming loose and falling out) The B&M is pipe thread like I said, and is not going to come loose.

 

+ 1 on the rubber o ring. Its worthless, if you go with that one use generous amounts of RTV on the threads and let it set up a few hours before filling the pan. Not a bad idea to use some under the white gaskets too, as the hole you drill will probably not come out as neat as you would like.

 

I had good luck pouring the plug in the side wall on the back passenger corner. I don't like one that hands straight down, as if you catch it on something, it sucks to be you. Just check clearances carefully when you have the pan off against the various parts in the valve body and you'll find a good spot.

 

And don't throw away the magnet in the pan.

 

Yea, good point on the leaking. I find that ATF+4 is more prone to leaking than ATF+3 due to it being 100% synthetic. Never, ever had a pan leak in my truck until I changed to ATF+4. I may start looking around for different drain plugs and see if I can find a better one.

I wonder if I made my own using a couple of nuts, a bolt and adding some gasket material to seal up the pan and bolt head if that would work better than the neoprene? I have a sheet of automotive gasket material you cut for whatever you need. This way I could also use smaller, more low profile nuts and bolt. Also, I agree with aims, NEVER throw away the magnet!

 

HUH? Just get the B&M drain plug.

 

Just thinking out loud Zman. Always like to consider all options.

 

Yea me too, go ahead and make your own , then have the tranny rebuilt when it falls out.