Yeah, buy it in advance and inspect it well. Mine had lots of scratches on the flange, I had to use the truck right away so I just reinstalled the old one. I unboxed it right before install.
It is kind of a nice have but there is no dipstick so you are going to laying under it anyway.

 

I find having a pan drain plug handy even if you plan to drop the pan anyway for a filter change. Draining the fluid, sure makes it easier, lighter, and much less messy than dropping a pan full of fluid.

 

I agree. If I start putting serious miles on the truck , I will probably install at the next service I do.

 

I know it’s an ancient thread but I need to vent.
Whoever decided it was a good idea to put the fill hole and dipstick three inches from the catalytic converter (2011 Lariat ltd.) is an evil, sadistic son of a biscuit. There’s not a chance in hell I or the vast majority of guys who would want to check their fluid can do it without severely burning his/her hand.
Plenty of space on the other side of the transmission. Why didn’t they put it over there? Sick *******s.

 

You can install a dipstick kit......

 

You feel better now ?

 

Maybe a little.

 

I know what you mean lol. I got pretty good at the 2 finger dipstick check, just wait until you have to add ATF fluid.

 

So which pan have you guys used that has a drain plug and is good? Haven't searched for that yet...
Also what about dipstick replacement kit? Did a quick search and found at least one company is selling one for over $200 which seems ridiculous to me - others seem more reasonable at 20-30 bucks.
Planning to tackle the filter/fluid change once the weather warms up around here since I'm nearing 120k - yes it was done once before but watching the video gives me confidence that I can do it instead of my mechanic.

 

cjusr, as I stated in my post #30 above, I used the Dorman pan which I am happy with. Due to other posts, I was on the look out for the problem and got it corrected, warranty replacement from Amazon, even before I started my project, second pan was and is perfect.

in post 30 above, the picture with the 2 copper gaskets, you can see the difference between the 2 pans. The hex head impression of the drain plug, uneven from the bad pan, but very even impression on the good pan.

i have also used the plug as a drain/fill service since adding the plug equipped pan. Could not have been an easier/cleaner process.

i don’t know of any other brand pans.

 

if you got a good Welder near by, have them braze or weld a 3/8 NF nut on the outside of the pan.. Then use a 1 inch long bolt with a brass washer to seal it up.