I normally use a rubber gasket with hi tack sprayed on the pan itself with the gasket applied to it, set up for long enough it wont slip around, install, torque to 11 ft lbs, come back after a week and retorque, leave it alone until next time. Never leaks.

 

How tight should the bolts feel? I have had a leaky pan gasket (after taking it to the trans shop that said it had a bend in the pan that they fixed). I was under the truck today and decided to check the bolts. They felt very loose to me but then again I didnt use a torque wrench either. I snugged them down but I didn't overly tighten them and fluid leaked out from under the bolt heads. I hope I didn't get them to tight

 

11 to 13 ft/lbs? I think.....

 

13, and check them after a couple heat cycles and every engine oil change.

 

after struggling with cork - i may migrate to this with a rubber gasket

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...ressing-detail

The cork gasket the trans shop installed is leaking

 

follow up: been 2 years - no leaks