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.