Trans Pan Past Crossover Installation Guide For 97 Blazers

If you're looking to get the transmission pan past the crossover on a 97 Blazer, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, try jacking up the rear of the transmission and removing the rear cross member to drop the pan. If that doesn't give you enough room, you can try removing the bolts holding the rear cross member in place. Another option is to use a universal joint socket to access the pan without dropping the crossover pipe. Additionally, make sure to use the correct Dexron type transmission fluid when refilling and check that the filter is installed correctly to avoid pressure drop issues.

Jacking up the rear of the transmission

Preparation:

First, park your 97 Blazer in a spacious area, preferably a roomy garage, or on a concrete driveway. If neither is available, find a firm, smooth, and level surface to facilitate jacking the vehicle safely. Remember to engage the parking brake.

Disconnect the Battery:

Before proceeding, always disconnect the positive battery cable to avoid any potential electrical short circuits, which could damage the wiring harness.

Jacking up the Vehicle:

Use a jack to lift the front end of the Blazer. Ensure you lift the front wheels at least six inches above the ground. This step is necessary to create enough clearance to slide the transmission out from underneath the vehicle.

Removing Components:

Now, you can start removing the components that obstruct access to the transmission. These include the front drive shaft (for 4WD models), the exhaust flange from the exhaust manifold, the electrical connections, and the transmission oil cooler lines.

Draining Transmission Fluid:

After removing the components, drain the transmission fluid. Once drained, reinstall the fluid pan.

Disconnecting Shift Linkage and Other Components:

Disconnect the shifter linkage cable, speedometer cable, and vacuum hose from the shift modulator valve. Tie up the shifter linkage cable to keep it out of the way.

Removing the Rear Drive Shaft:

Remove the rear drive shaft, which will provide the necessary clearance to detach the transfer case from the rear of the transmission. For 4WD models, remove the transfer case by taking out the six bolts that secure it to the transmission.

Supporting the Transmission:

Place jack stands or a jack beneath the transmission to support its weight. Remember to keep the front of the transmission secured and prevent it from dropping, as this could damage the splined input shaft, seals, or torque converter assembly.

Detaching the Transmission from the Engine:

Remove the bolts attaching the transmission bell housing to the engine block. Also, take out the two bolts holding the transmission to the cross member and the four bolts connecting the cross member to the vehicle's frame. With these bolts removed, you can now detach the cross member.

Sliding Out the Transmission:

With the transmission supported by the jack or jack stands, carefully slide it towards the rear of the vehicle, keeping it in line with the engine. You will need to slide it back about seven inches to clear the torque converter.

Lowering the Transmission:

Once the transmission is clear of the engine, carefully lower it to the floor, maintaining its upright position as much as possible. Now, you can remove the bolts attaching the torque converter to the flywheel if you need to detach it for repair or replacement.

Removing the rear cross member

To remove the rear cross member on a 1995 Chevy Blazer, you will likely need to jack up the rear of the transmission and remove the rear transmission mount bolts. If this doesn't provide enough room, you can then remove the rest of the bolts holding the rear cross member in place and take it out.

For a 2000 Blazer, you can remove the right-side bolts, the two rear transmission mount nuts, and loosen the two left bolts to swing the cross member to the back. This will allow you to access the rear pan bolts.

For a 97 Blazer, the process is similar to other models. Place jack stands under the frame of the vehicle, and use a jack to lift the transmission by its pan or tail shaft. Disconnect the transmission from the cross member, and then support it with the jack. You can then remove the rear cross member.

Flushing the transmission

The transmission flush, on the other hand, uses a machine to replace the fluid. The old fluid, dirt, and sludge are pushed out under pressure, and new fluid is used to replace it. This process usually costs more due to the machine's expense. Many shops price this procedure for high profits, and it does not include the benefits of inspecting the transmission pan and changing the filter. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stick with the transmission fluid change specified in your owner's manual unless your maintenance schedule specifically calls for a flush, or your transmission fluid has been neglected and has picked up contaminants.

If you decide to perform a transmission fluid change on your 1997 Chevy Blazer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to use a jack to lift the vehicle, but do not jack it up by the powertrain. You can jack it up from the front crossmember or the side frame rails, and make sure to use jack stands under the frame for safety. Additionally, when choosing a transmission fluid, refer to your owner's manual to ensure you are using the correct fluid for your vehicle. Using the wrong transmission fluid can result in severe damage.

To flush the transmission on your 1997 Chevy Blazer, you can follow a similar process as the transmission fluid change. After changing the filter, top up the fluid level, then unhook the return line at the transmission. Start the engine and idle, shifting through all ranges for a few seconds with the parking brake set and the service brake firmly applied. Ensure the fluid level doesn't drop too low, and once you see clean fluid, shut down the engine and reconnect the line. This process will flush out the entire transmission, but it will use a significant amount of fluid.

Using a universal joint socket

To get the transmission pan past the crossover pipe on a 97 Blazer, you can use a universal joint socket. This will allow you to access the bolts and remove the pan without dropping the crossover pipe.

First, make sure you have the correct tools and safety equipment. You will need a jack, jack stands, and a universal joint socket. It is important to block the wheels so the vehicle can't roll in either direction and to shift the transmission to neutral before beginning any work.

To remove the transmission pan, start by removing the metal clip that secures the shift cable to the bracket. You can do this by compressing the black plastic tabs and pulling the cable through. With the clip removed, you can now access the bolts underneath. Use a 1/4" drive socket, extension, and ratchet to remove the bolts. You don't need to completely remove the shift cable from the bracket.

With the bolts removed, you can now separate the transmission pan from the crossmember. Place a jack under the transmission pan or the tail shaft of the transmission to support it. You can then remove the bolts securing the transmission to the crossmember and carefully lower the transmission pan, being mindful of the crossover pipe.

Once the transmission pan is lowered, you can perform the necessary maintenance or repairs. When you are finished, simply follow these steps in reverse to reinstall the transmission pan and secure it to the crossmember. Remember to torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Removing the transmission filter

To remove the transmission filter on a 97 Blazer, you will first need to access the transmission pan by dropping the pan and removing the rear cross member. This will likely involve jacking up the rear of the transmission and removing the rear transmission mount bolts. If this does not provide enough room, you may need to remove the remaining bolts holding the rear crossmember and take it out.

Once you have accessed the transmission pan, you will need to remove the shift cable to access the bolts holding the pan in place. Block the wheels so the vehicle cannot roll, shift the transmission to neutral, and remove the metal clip that secures the cable to the bracket. Slide the cable rearward, and it should come out of the bracket. With the cable out of the way, you can now access the pan bolts.

Remove the pan bolts and take out the old transmission filter. Be sure to clean the pan and check for any damage or leaks before installing a new filter and gasket. It is also important to use the correct transmission fluid when refilling. For a 97 Blazer, this is likely Dexron III, but you can check your owner's manual for the specific fluid requirements and capacity.

Finally, be sure to dispose of the old transmission fluid properly. Many auto parts stores will accept used transmission fluid for recycling.

Frequently asked questions