Hi Steve,

Here's is what I do:
-Use a bucket to catch the oil...it comes out in a hurry.
-Use a paper plate bent in two places to divert the oil down into the bucket (away from the transfer case angled plate). The other option is to remove all of the angled plate mounting screws but 1 and swing it out of the way. I use the paper plate option jammed between the oil pan and transfer case.
-For the filter, I have found that a piece of drywall sanding screen wrapped around the filter improves your grip about 1000% and makes loosening and tightening the filter very easy....even with the recessed filter. Sandpaper may work ok but the drywall screen grips your hand as well as the filter. Put a bucket or pan under the filter when you loosen.

Jeff Eschenbach

Good Luck!

I would strongly recommend getting a large drain pan. The reason I say this, oil goes everywhere when it comes in contact with the deflector shield on the transmission. Also put a lot of paper around the pan. As for the filter no real problem there.

Mike
98’ XC 60,000mi.

My standard round oil drain pan works fine. Be aware that the Volvo uses 6 qts of oil, so don't overflow your pan. The oil filter may be more difficult to get a grip on, but I have found one of the wrap around clamp type wrenches to fit fine. You can't turn it much without repositioning it, but it's a minor inconvenience.