[hgs_notes]

The tranny will and should be warm from even a short drive. You just need to keep it from getting too warm and that means over about 200F. The tranny cooler built into the radiator is done that way to help the fluid warm up when cold. This is more of a feature for northern climates, but they are all done the same. In fact, you don't need to use the radiator tranny cooler if you don't want to. I converted my truck from manual tyranny to auto and used an add on tranny cooler for several years, until I had some radiator work done, then they added the cooler tank to my existing radiator.

If your pan gasket leaks and you are not sure about the history of oil changes, etc. Take the truck to the local oil change shop or garage you use and have them replace the tranny oil filter. They have to pull the cover and will install a new pan gasket when they do it. The cost is usually not bad. Like $75 around here.