Hello all, 2004 e350 superduty with 140,000 miles. transmission code 'e'

My situation is, I need to do a transmission flush on a 4R100 however im researching that there are different filters and different pans. My pan does not have a drain plug and from what Ive researched, it would be considered a shallow pan and filter? I want to put a deeper pan on so that i have the drain plug (not looking to drill one in), so now im assuming i need the thicker filter? Please someone correct me if im wrong. Other than my reason for switching, are there any benefits of having the bigger pan and filter?

This is what i ordered,

filter: Motorcraft - FT-114


Pan: Dorman 265-805

 

I'll let Mr. Kovalsky answer your main questions, but you should read this post to get most of your answers......Link

If you do go with the deep pan, you just order the filter for a like year/transmission for a 4 wheel drive, which is OEM'ed with the deep pan.
The tube on the filter is longer, and the filter still sits near the bottom of the pan.

 

As I recall all 4R100s in 2004 were the deep pan. The only 4R100s that I remember to ever have a shallow pan were F-150 Lightnings.

 

like you say, its probably a deep pan and it just doesnt have a plug. I wouldnt know one way of the other by looking at it in terms of depth. I cancelled the replacement pan and will just drill a jegs plug in the existing.. The aftermarket pan is a cheapo, thought about it and would rather go this route.
Thanks for your help!