Dear Wareagle32789,

Hope you're well. Without a compelling reason - i.e., the finding of coolant in the transmission fluid or a failed pan gasket - there's no reason to remove the transmission pan.

You'll have to remove both starter bolts, to free the transmission fluid filler pipe. Removal of the top-most of the starter bolts requires about 30" of impact-rated extensions and a universal joint.

Most, who have tried to separate the transmission pan filler pipe from the pan have ended-up ruining the pan. The reason: the large hex nut - that secures the filler pipe to the pan - was installed by a special worker, Sven Torqvist, known on the assembly line as "Sven the Torquer". His raw strength enabled him to tighten things such that even heavy-duty (700 pound/feet) impact wrenches cannot undo his handiwork.

In short, absent the two circumstances above set forth, flush the fluid using the method set forth in the FAQs.

If either of the two circumstances prevails, then pan removal is necessary.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook