When I was underneath my 97 F150 the other day, I noticed that the auto tranny pan said that the gasket was reusable. Has anyone reused theirs after they've changed the fluid? If so, did it do ok? Any replies would be grateful.

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'97 F-150, 2WD, 8'bed, 4.6L,Auto, 3.55 LS, Duraliner, D. plate toolbox, K&N filter, 3" air box mod, silencer removed, Westin nerf bars,towing pkg,headlight flasher

 

Although I have a 4R100 it too has a reusable gasket. I've had my pan off twice and have reused the gasket with no problems. Once at 30k and again at 60k. The gasket is metal with a rubber coating on each side which has a raised ridge along the parimeter. Also, I believe you can't use the plain gasket that comes with many filter kits because it will leak on a tranny that uses a reusuable type.

 

While you guys are on this subject..What are the torque specs? And, do you just clean the gasket and put it back in or apply some kind of sealer? Thanx

 

According to my Haynes manual, the torque spec for the automatic drain pan bolts is 108-132 in-lbs. Now if you use the conversion table in the front which says to multiply by 0.083 to get ft-lbs, then you get 9-11 ft-lbs. Hope this helps.

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'97 F-150, 2WD, 8'bed, 4.6L,Auto, 3.55 LS, Duraliner, D. plate toolbox, K&N filter, 3" air box mod, silencer removed, Westin nerf bars,towing pkg,headlight flasher

 

For cleaning, I use Brakleen and and just torque it to spec. Haven't ever changed tranny gaskets on the T-bird or Mark 8, they have 170,000 and 160,000 on them.

 

Re-used mine with no trouble at all. Be sure to follow the pan-bolt max torque specs as to not damage the gasket.

 

No sealer is needed.