I took my '09 4.6 Scab in to have the transmission fluid and filter replaced. My mechanic called me and said that the bolt right under the exhaust crossover was frozen and he partially stripped it.

I got lucky and it was still tight and we tightened up the remaining bolts and replaced the fluid with a pump and there are no leaks. I am not happy that I couldn't replace the filter and that he stripped it, but I am thinking if there is ever a transmission problem it probably wont be from the filter - or that is what I am hoping.

So has anyone ran into or experienced this problem? Any suggestions on how to possibly get it off there if I ever need too?

The bolt is pretty small so I am thinking that perhaps the exhaust crossover will need cut out and perhaps a vice grip could be put on there? I am thinking at worse case possibly grinding that bolt head off and then maybe getting to it or drilling and re-tapping that hole?

It is OK for now, but it does kinda irritate me that it isn't right.

 

"If" the time comes you have to pull the tranny, it'll be easier to do sitting on a bench. I'd wait.