Dented Transmission Pan

Short story, got high centered on a stump in the middle of bfe. Had a hell of a time getting out. Ended up denting the transmission pan. Drove it home and other than my mpg went down almost 2 mpg’s it drove fine. Question is, is it ok to continue driving with the dented tranny pan? Also it seems the little metal hose clamp thing on the rubber boot on the 4x4 drive shaft came off. I put a cable tie on it. How important is the metal clamp.? Thanks.

 

That metal clamp is just a stronger version of a zip tie. You could always replace it with a metal hose clamp if you are worried about the plastic cracking and breaking over time from the weather conditions.
The pan doesn't look like it crushed anything but the cover in that location. I would keep an eye out on it just in case it leaks over time from the gasket. JMO

 

The pan should be fine, don't see any damage. But it might affect level checks as you've pushed the pan up a bit. But prob not enough to really have an impact.. Replace the clamp when you get a chance, tie wrap will do short term.

 

I had similar thing happen in a mud pit on previous vehicle dent was so bad ot hit the pick up tube and would not drive! Ended up dropping pan took hammer to it all good

 

Thanks guys appreciate the feed back. I'm going to have to replace the pan at some point because the drain bolt is no longer the low spot.

 

I think Randy was trying to do a little downhill skiing and that's how you really hit the stump......

 

The second clamp is missing from the boot as well. I’d pull the driveshaft, match-mark either side of the slip joint so you can assemble it exactly the same (rotationally, if that makes sense) clean and re-grease the splines, and install a new boot kit. You’ll need CV boot clamp pliers, or end nippers to crimp the clamps down.

Alternatively, if that’s over your comfort level, pull the shaft and take it to a driveline specialty shop for them to do it

211916X is the Spicer part for the boot kit with the boot and the 2 clamps. Toyota would only sell you the u-joints, or the whole shaft, and you don’t want that.

 

I believe the second clamp is still in place (bottom of picture). No?

What is the reason I should pull the entire driveshaft, clean and re-grease the splines, and install a new boot kit? It looks like the stump hit the drive shaft and boot but the boot is not ripped. Do you think there may be damage under the boot?

 

Another question. When I replace the tranny pan besides the gasket is there anything else I should replace or check while I have the tranny pan off? Thanks for your guys feed back really appreciate it.

 

Depending on how many miles you have it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the filter and I believe the filter o ring. Refill with new fluid, you can also drain 8 qts out of the cooler return line (2 qts at a time) after you get it filled back up, to replace all, or most, of the old fluid. There are several threads on this if you want to look into it.

FWIW when I replaced my filter with around 176k miles it had almost zero debris or clutch material in it (original filter). But if I had to replace my pan tomorrow I'd do the filter again just for peace of mind.

 

Thanks.

it only has about 33k miles on it.

 

I wouldn't worry about the filter then, just replace the fluild in the pan and make sure you get the level correct. Also, have a second vehicle available in case you need to get new bolts, the stock pan bolts are weak and break easily, one of mine broke and I couldnt extract it. I had to drill it out and put a helicoil in it. I also swapped all my bolts out with higher grade bolts, I believe 10.9, but i forget the thread pitch and length. Definitely wish I woulda wrote that down to help out more members here.

 

Awesome thank you.

 

Hmm, taking a second look, now I see maybe that is a painted clamp, where I was seeing a clean band of rubber where the clamp used to be the first time. The more I look, the less sure I am either way. I’m sure it’s easy to tell in person.

A couple reasons I suggested the boot kit - they’re about $12-15, and the easiest way to get the clamp that is damaged, and I was also thinking you needed 2 clamps.

The second reason was to make sure there isn’t water or dirt contamination in the (formerly) sealed slip joint, because sealing it up after it’s contaminated will eventually lead to it corroding and seizing up, costing more than $15 and under an hour of time.

You could also probably pull the boot back and take a peek at how clean things are, make sure there’s no water in there, and “send it” with the zip tie or a new clamp.

 

I’d be concerned about why you lost a couple MPGs...something binding?

 

Yes! I'm very concerned about this. I don't hear or feel anything abnormal. I ordered and just received a new transmission pan. I was going to replace it my self but I decided to just take it to the dealership and have them do it and also check for other damage and the MPG issue.