So far, no comments on this thread address the problem of dropping the trans pan on a 2000 Silverado 4x4. Put the diff cover back on then fill with gear oil. Then push the tabs in on the side toward the front, make sure to push them on both sides. Clean the pan and magnet thoroughly, and replace the pan gasket. If my how to gets approved, I will post a link to it in this thread.
According to Chevy maintenance guidelines, you should change the automatic transmission fluid in your Silverado every 30,000 miles if you use it under normal operating conditions. It comes with the exact structure of the default automatic transmission filter that came with your vehicle as it came out of the production line so that you could be certain of its overall performance. There is actually 2 in there and it is easy once… I suppose it is very possible to cause an unintended problem with the transmission while replacing the rear seal as it involves either removing the transmission, or at least pulling it back. If it has one then they can tell you. Carefully place pan on the transmission, making sure the gasket is lined up and flat. I sure hope it helps out someone else who is wanting to but hesitant to do this. Properly discard the old filter.
I'm assuming that this is an automatic transmission. The Trans oil dip stick has a red cap and is located on the left side of the engine when standing in the front of truck and toward the windshield. For more comfortable trips and worry-free automotive fixes, change components the moment they exhibit symptoms of failure. The pan will not come down as the shift link bracket interferes. A new filter will keep the oil flowing at the right pressure and free of contaminants that accelerate wear and cause internal damage. If you do a lot of towing or hauling with your Silverado, Chevy recommends that you change the automatic transmission fluid every 15,000 miles. Then push the linkage all the way through the bracket and put it aside.
If you have an automatic then chances are it is a 4L60-E or 4L65-E either way it holds 5 qts. It's important that you mention the truck be level and not on ramps. Ask for one for your Sierra. So far I have not seen any posts here that suggests that, or any other, method of pan removal. If your truck fits in the above range, it will be on the inside of the drivers frame rail, usually just behind the drivers door. Go to Advance Auto Parts store that sells Purolator cabin filters. After the materials are removed, make sure the sealing surfaces are very clean and smooth.
You also run the risk of damaging the drive-line, slip yoke, Universal… I do not think your truck has a cabin filter, but I may be wrong. Pull the dip stick a wipe, relace, remove and check the level on the stick. Purchase now and minimize repair costs! If you've never changed the fluid in an automatic you might want to have a shop do it. Leave the white plastic clip alone. Then, supporting the pan with one hand, use the other to completely remove the last bolt. Loosen the remainder of the bolts so that the pan is allowed to tilt and release fluid into the drain pan.
Make sure that you do not scratch these surfaces, as will happen with a screw driver or a putty knife that has a rough edge on it. It's a pretty… I think the easiest way is to remove the 4 bolts that hold the box of the truck on. You have to first remove the transmission linkage. AutoTrust Silver supplies a great selection of transmissions and shifters system components at reasonable prices! Then plug the transmission linkage back how it was, it should just click in place, and reattach the ball to the sleeve. However, many times, we end up neglecting the transmission or paying too much because we do not know how to do it ourselves.
Remove 4 to 6 bolts from the pan on a convenient side to catch the fluid. Do not simply wait around for your car or truck to have problems with overall performance loss and risk unanticipated failure. The filter should come off fairly easily, but make sure that you replace the o-ring sealing it in as well. . There is a black shroud with two screws. All require drilling a hole in the pan. You may need a screwdriver to remove it.
If its an automatic transmission, you would have to remove the torque converter and flex-plate. Do not use adhesives, cements or sealants on the gasket. Most vehicles do not have drain plugs. It's under the passanger side dash. Carefully remove the old gasket. The first is in the engine compartment just behind the oil level dip stiick , a standard stick which is checked with the engine running and in park. Thanks for the write up! They don't have drain plugs.