Aluminum vs steel transmission pan

[Rob]

During a routine transmission change (my first with my new-to-me Marauder) I had the tranny flushed. A few days later I went to install a new steel tranny pan with a plug from Dennis and, amazingly, I already had one with a plug but it was aluminum. I was befuddled. I don't know how I missed that. :loco:

The other strange part was the filter had fallen out and was sitting in the pan! :eek: I don't know if this was caused by the flush or someone installing a filter poorly god knows how long ago. Glad I caught it. There was no red plug so a service had been done before.

I got a new gasket and filter and put the aluminum pan back on.

The question is, is there a benefit to the steel pan vs my mysterious aluminum pan with a plug? Should I sell the steel pan or see if Dennis will take it back? There were no leaks or anything wrong with the aluminum pan.

Thanks!

Rob

[RubberCtyRauder]

Aluminum will dissipate heat better..........and add 12HP..lol..just kidding on that part..Good luck with a return to ..well, you know

[RF Overlord]

The other strange part was the filter had fallen out and was sitting in the pan! I don't know if this was caused by the flush or someone installing a filter poorly god knows how long ago. It was not caused by the flush. Improper installation or defective o-ring seal.
The question is, is there a benefit to the steel pan vs my mysterious aluminum pan with a plug? No.

Ass-uming the steel pan you're referring to is the factory "U-Haul" pan, the only advantage it has is the presence of the drain plug. Stamped steel is less expensive than cast aluminium, which is why the manufacturer used it. Sell the steel one to someone who wants to replace their stock pan with one with a drain plug.

How much do you want for it?

[Rob]

The steel pan was from Dennis: http://www.reinhartperformance.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=12345&Product_Code=MM-4R70WD&Category_Code=9

I'm going to list it for sale just to make my money back.

Thanks guys!

[fastblackmerc]

When you install a new filter in the tranny make sure you get the old o-ring out. If you don't get it out the new filter will never seat right and will always be in the bottom of the pan.

The aluminum pan will add capacity, which I don't think the steel pan does.

[Rob]

When you install a new filter in the tranny make sure you get the old o-ring out. If you don't get it out the new filter will never seat right and will always be in the bottom of the pan.

I've done plenty of tranny services on my Crown Vics. This aint my first rodeo. :cool4:

As for capacity, I forget what I put in. I think it was 4 Qts with the pan drop.

[Speed]

Hope much you want for it? I plan on having a j-mod done hopefully before summers end, might as well replace the pan at the same time.

[Rob]

Amazingly I already have a deal pending. If it falls through I will let you know. I'm not looking to make any money, just recoup what I spent, minus a few bucks as a sweetener.