This may seem simple, but I can't get the damn pan off of my 2001 z71. There is a bracket from a 4wd cable (tried taking the bracket off with no luck) in the way on one corner and the damn exhaust pipes stop the pan from lowering. Me and a buddy have tried twisting every way we can think of and still can't get the pan off. Anybody have a 4wd they took the pan off of? Is it possible without taking off the exhaust pipes. We also tried loosening the exhaust bolts and they don't want to budge. Hope you guys can help.

Kyle

 

You have to drop the y pipe down, atleast disconnect it from the manifolds and the catback. Pull the y down as far as possible and the pan will come out the farther down the pan goes on the pass side.

 

Yep, I had the same problem. Thanks for the suggestion, Mudz. Still a bummer to drop that many parts for a "simple" oil change. Wonder what the stealership charges?

 

That's weird, I didn't have to drop the Y pipe when I did mine, just completely removed the shift linkage and bracket. I have a regular cab though, maybe that makes a difference.

 

Most pans have a drain plug. Mine did anyway.

 

Mine has a drain plug, but the dumb-*** engineers, probably due to contractional obligations, made it a Torx bit and it stripped in an instant, forcing me to remove the pan. Plus the pan has to come off to do the filter anyway, I believe newer models actually have a regular 14 or 15mm fastener.

 

Carefull with those shift sensors in the back.....i messed one up and its cost me like 300 bucks...just a thought...i had to get it done by a mechanic

 

Did mine last night it was a bitch i just kinda pryed at the linkage and got the pan out.

 

Same problem here. I could get all the bolts off but the tranny pan was stuck on by the back corner. I lowered it enough to change the tranny filter but it was a pita. Stripped the drain plug instantly too

 

T40 torx bit . . . take the shift link bracket loose, and it'll drop right off.