Questions about differences in 4l80e transmission pans

[1774btcrew]

Well the weather is finally cool enough where it isn't getting over 100 degrees so I am ready to get a few things done on my truck. The transmission pan that is in my truck does not have a drain plug. Since I need to change the fluid and filter I would like to put a factory pan on it with a drain plug. I looked on Ebay and it shows early and late pans. It seems the late pans come with a drain plug. Is there a reason one of these wouldn't work on my early transmission? I would appreciate any input. I am hoping to have most of the stuff done by Dino's show in November so I need to get moving on it.

[beamn7]

Should be the same. No changes made to the mounting surface / bolt configuration. Only difference was some of the later model pans (1997+) have a slight angle up to the rear of the pan mounting surface rather than being flat across the entire length of the pan. I prefer the earlier pans since the essentially hold slightly more fluid. Here is a link of an earlier pan you can purchase with a drain plug installed.
http://www.gmcopo.com/4l80etransmissions.htm

Here are the later pans:
http://northeasterntransparts.com/wp...8953542331.jpg

[1774btcrew]

Originally Posted by beamn7

Should be the same. No changes made to the mounting surface / bolt configuration. Only difference was some of the later model pans (1997+) have a slight angle up to the rear of the pan mounting surface rather than being flat across the entire length of the pan. I prefer the earlier pans since the essentially hold slightly more fluid. Here is a link of an earlier pan you can purchase with a drain plug installed.
http://www.gmcopo.com/4l80etransmissions.htm

Here are the later pans:
http://northeasterntransparts.com/wp...8953542331.jpg

Thanks for the link but it must be out of stock as nothing is clickable there. I know the pans had the same shape/gasket but didn't know if there were any sort of clearance issues on the newer styles when mounted on an earlier transmission.

[GRADYS Performance]

The Late pan will not fit on the early transmission. There was a change in the lube circuits in the 97 and up transmissions. The 91-96 transmissions had a tube running from the front of the valve body to the rear case bearing which will not clear the late pan. I would recommend using a deep aluminum pan like what is pictured here. Does not leak, runs cooler and has a drain plug. You can PM me for more info on the aluminum pan.

[1774btcrew]

Originally Posted by GRADYS Performance

The Late pan will not fit on the early transmission. There was a change in the lube circuits in the 97 and up transmissions. The 91-96 transmissions had a tube running from the front of the valve body to the rear case bearing which will not clear the late pan. I would recommend using a deep aluminum pan like what is pictured here. Does not leak, runs cooler and has a drain plug. You can PM me for more info on the aluminum pan.

Thanks for the info! I had considered 1 of those! I have also debated putting a drain plug in mine. I really don't understand why GM didn't do them from the factory since there are provisions for them.

[beamn7]

Originally Posted by GRADYS Performance

The Late pan will not fit on the early transmission. There was a change in the lube circuits in the 97 and up transmissions. The 91-96 transmissions had a tube running from the front of the valve body to the rear case bearing which will not clear the late pan. I would recommend using a deep aluminum pan like what is pictured here. Does not leak, runs cooler and has a drain plug. You can PM me for more info on the aluminum pan.

You're right! I totally forgot about that... Haven't had one apart in quite awhile.. Had more 700's apart for obvious reasons....