First and foremost, I want a drain in my transmission pan. I've been frustrated with the deep pan options, and didn't like the idea of installing my own drain plug since I have enough trouble with leaky parts as it is. I found one on Summit for $60, but it's on back order and they've already moved the date out by 2 months (attention: @hosejockey61) so I've given up on that. Turns out lots of transmissions use our pan shape/size, including the 46RE which was used on the Dodge Dakota and probably many others. It was a long adventure, but I basically found a deep pan with a drain that used the same gasket part #, which meant the pan should fit a 32RH. It was only $32 on Amazon, so worth a shot.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z7NRSPU?tag=wranglerorg-20
But being that it's 2-3/4" deep (or maybe a smidge more) it may not clear the skid plate. Here's a brand new sentence: fortunately the PO used a skid plate drop when they did the lift, so I should have the necessary clearance. The Skyjacker deep pan claims to be 2-1/4" deep, although I believe on my other 97 I have more than a 1/2" gap...not by much though. I was also initially concerned about the weird shape on that one corner, but it's deep enough and not quite as pronounced IRL; it isn't going to be a factor in the least.
Next problem is that since it's deep, I need the filter extension thing. Amazon has one that claims to fit but is close to $40. So I took a flyer and searched for Dodge Dakota transmission filter extension, and found this for $21. It looks exactly LIKE the one that comes in the deep pan kits for a 32RH, but I'll have to match up the bolt holes to be sure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SRS2QS6?tag=wranglerorg-20
For a full apples-to-apples comparison you need to consider everything, like the fact that hese kits also come with a gasket & filter. I use a LubeLocker anyway, but the filter is another $12 or so to account for. And then the 3 long skinny bolts that will probably set me back another $2 each. So all told I'm in for $72, where as the Summit part which they can't even deliver was only $60. And then the Skyjacker deep pan which is $160.
Hopefully this works like it appears to. I'm seeing Mopar part numbers in my sleep right now.
I'm interested to know the actual depth measurement of any other deep pans, specifically the outside measurement from bottom to lip.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z7NRSPU?tag=wranglerorg-20
But being that it's 2-3/4" deep (or maybe a smidge more) it may not clear the skid plate. Here's a brand new sentence: fortunately the PO used a skid plate drop when they did the lift, so I should have the necessary clearance. The Skyjacker deep pan claims to be 2-1/4" deep, although I believe on my other 97 I have more than a 1/2" gap...not by much though. I was also initially concerned about the weird shape on that one corner, but it's deep enough and not quite as pronounced IRL; it isn't going to be a factor in the least.
Next problem is that since it's deep, I need the filter extension thing. Amazon has one that claims to fit but is close to $40. So I took a flyer and searched for Dodge Dakota transmission filter extension, and found this for $21. It looks exactly LIKE the one that comes in the deep pan kits for a 32RH, but I'll have to match up the bolt holes to be sure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SRS2QS6?tag=wranglerorg-20
For a full apples-to-apples comparison you need to consider everything, like the fact that hese kits also come with a gasket & filter. I use a LubeLocker anyway, but the filter is another $12 or so to account for. And then the 3 long skinny bolts that will probably set me back another $2 each. So all told I'm in for $72, where as the Summit part which they can't even deliver was only $60. And then the Skyjacker deep pan which is $160.
Hopefully this works like it appears to. I'm seeing Mopar part numbers in my sleep right now.
I'm interested to know the actual depth measurement of any other deep pans, specifically the outside measurement from bottom to lip.
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