I need to drop the pan and change the filter on my 2012 with the 6r80 - are there any decent aftermarket pan options with a drain plug? Not really concerned about adding extra fluid capacity, just easier changes later.

Seems like Doorman has questionable reviews, their stuff has always been a coin flip in my experience.

 

The Dorman has been the only OE-sized one available. Some have had bad threads, those aren't worth keeping. All of them have crappy crush washers, which has probably already been crushed by the time you see it. I just use standard crush washers for mine, I have a pile I purchased for some Hondas. No leaks. Same OE gasket so far.

 

so basically if I go that route need to buy extra crush washers and leak test it. Good to know the OE re-usable gasket is fine.

 

I did the DoorMan pan a couple of years ago and have no regrets. But, you have to be prepared. I was aware of the negative reviews and ordered my pan ahead of time, sure enough, it was bad, but I had plenty of time to get another and make sure it was ok BEFORE I continued. I used Amazon, which made fileing a complaint and return super easy.

the second pan was perfect and worked out great. You can see in the pics below, the first pan, the plug didn't seat flush, and you see the copper gasket. The last picture is the two copper gaskets, bad and good second pan.

again, no regrets.

 

Oh, and yes, I reused the OE gasket, again, no issues, no regrets.

and, if you've never done a pan drop/refill, after you get the first 4 qts of new fluid in, start the truck, then add the remains 4 or so qts.

The first 4 qts of fluid will fill the pan to the dipstick hole, any more will run out onto the floor, unless you start the truck and let it idle, while adding the rest.

 

I’ve got the dorman pan and while the threads and gasket surface etc are fine, it does leak a bit from the drain plug. Usually it just has a drop hanging from it, nothing major.

 

With a new washer each time, it leaks?

 

my guess is that the plug is not completely flush or flat against the pan.

Over the years, I've had good "sealing luck" with nylon oil plug gaskets. They seem to have enough give, sealing qualities, and tighten up good. But, only good for a use or two.

 

I'd use a new washer - because unless you're doing a lot of hard work with it, you might change the fluid in it maybe twice?

 

ya, I really don't feel like dealing with potential issues over something that's not gonna happen very often, probably just sticking with the stock pan, just wanted to make sure there wasn't an option I had overlooked