thanks for the input Rocketman. Already have the tranny filter and replacement gasket, along with that smaller gasket as mentioned in Joe Black's write-up. All excited about doing the complete tranny job and have to deal with this crap. Yes, worst case scenario is to do it your way as you are correct I will need to take off the pan anyway to get to the filter. However, I'm would much prefer to let it mostly drain out the way it's supposed to, much less messy that way. We'll see. I guess I'm just floored that this really is a mystery to our group here. At least I have JHarris to keep me company on this! haha