I have to change the valve body in my 03 4.0l Ranger 4X4 5R55E transmission. From what I've read, draining the pan can be quite messy. I'm thinking of drilling a hole in the pan before removal to make draining less messy. Since I'll be cleaning out the pan, changing the valve body, and the trans fluid, is this possible without doing damage to the tranny? Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.

Jim

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2003 Ranger 4X4 4dr Supercab 4.0L 5r55E Auto

I really don't see why you can't. I would just be very nervous about to far and hitting something and ruining it. You would also then have to weld on a nut for a drain plug then or get a new pan.

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1996 Ford Ranger STX 4x4 4.0L
1983 Honda Shadow VT750C

Mr. West,

Thank you for your response. I plan to use one of the Harbor freight multi drill bits. That should hopefully keep me from going very deep into the pan. I plan to use a universal drain plug, and will take your advise and weld the backing nut onto the pan.

Jim

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2003 Ranger 4X4 4dr Supercab 4.0L 5r55E Auto