I dropped the pan to do an oil change. The fluid was bright red indicating a recent change. When I pulled the pan off, I realized that the filter (which is a metal mesh, btw) was just hanging on one side. There are no seals (o-rings in the suction ports! It does have a bracket on one side to keep it in place but that, by itself, does not do it. I looked at the parts manual and do not see any o-rings. Fitting it is extremely loose which leads me to believe that there may have been o-rings. Anyone has any experience on this?

 

It turned out that my fear was unjustified. The pan holds the filter in place.

I sandblasted the tranny pan, put 3 coats of self-etching primer and 3 coats of glossy automotive paint. I replaced all the bolts and lock washers (supplier is McMaster) and the gasket was part # 3736 from SNG Barratt. I removed the pressure switch and plugged it with a plug (1/4" MIP) that I got from Lowe's (plumbing section). No more anti-creeping (was not working anyway)