Hi guys, been reading up on the transmission pan removal and keep seeing the "secret trick" mentioned.
I've tried to search for this but no luck - anybody care to enlighten me?

I have the pan off the car but it won't go back in the way I got it out without damaging the new gasket.

Car is a 1982 HE 5.3

I realise now that with the pan off, removing the mount may be tricky.....

 

I cant imagine what the "secret trick" would be unless it is in reference to removing the spring loaded transmission mount. If you have already removed the spring and mount then the rest of the pan comes off easily by just removing the screws.

How is the gasket being damaged when reinstalling the pan?

In my case I just used the standard cork gasket and applied a little gasket sealer to hold it flat and in place on the pan. Once the gasket was in place all I had to do was lift the pan onto the trans and start the screws.

If it was not for the trans mount and spring I could have done the whole job in 20 minutes.

Mark

 

Someone had a trick to unload the spring tension with some ready rod and nuts. I can't fine it but will continue to look

 

this is the thread I was looking for.
Greg in France comes thru again
Default V12 5.3 HE gearbox mount: Easy and safe removal and refitting

 

I think this link will work