Doubledingo's 2005 4x4 Tahoe LS

[idahovette]

When you pull the pan to do the filter, that would be the time to put a drain plug in it. Autozone O2 bungs and corresponding plugs are dirt cheap. YMMV

 

[DoubleDingo]

When you pull the pan to do the filter, that would be the time to put a drain plug in it. Autozone O2 bungs and corresponding plugs are dirt cheap. YMMV

That is definitely the time to do so. My guess is it's supposed to go here?

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Does it welded in? I do not have a welding machine or the capability of running one without some electrical being modified.

Honestly, the extraction pump is pretty slick, I was surprised how easy it was, which is why I did so many in succession. I want to say it took 2.5 -3 hours to swap three gallons, test drive, errand run to parts store, adding and checking levels, and pouring old into containers. No driving up on ramps, no jack and jack stands and no wrestling around on concrete.

 

[idahovette]

@DoubleDingo You may be right. I've got a 2 post lift, so that makes it easy, also a wire feed and enough experience to make a mess....lol..No matter which way you do it, just do it, right? I think I put mine closer to the front, maybe in the middle? Don't remember? Where ever, just keep it out of the way of the exhaust crossover pipe if you do it. That's another consideration. I had to drop the crossover to get the DAMN pan off, or a least loosen it. That could be a can of worms, too!. What ever you do good luck. At least these rigs have a dipstick for the transmission.........my 17 Colorado, does NOT..........DUMB DESIGN!!!!!

 

[DoubleDingo]

@DoubleDingo You may be right. I've got a 2 post lift, so that makes it easy, also a wire feed and enough experience to make a mess....lol..No matter which way you do it, just do it, right? I think I put mine closer to the front, maybe in the middle? Don't remember? Where ever, just keep it out of the way of the exhaust crossover pipe if you do it. That's another consideration. I had to drop the crossover to get the DAMN pan off, or a least loosen it. That could be a can of worms, too!. What ever you do good luck. At least these rigs have a dipstick for the transmission.........my 17 Colorado, does NOT..........DUMB DESIGN!!!!!

That's why I showed the dimple in the pan. My guess is GM, if they were to a drain plug, it would be there, unless that dimple supports something internally.

Agreed on the DUMB DESIGN, my wife's 17 Regal is the same. No checking the fluid, no drain-n-fills, no topping off if needed.

 

[legopnuematic]

I think some did get a drain plug in that dimple. Not sure why or what determined if one did or didn’t get a plug.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I think some did get a drain plug in that dimple. Not sure why or what determined if one did or didn’t get a plug.

I think it depends on engine size, I may be wrong. I'd have to check the Tahoe forum

 

[legopnuematic]

The two pans highlighted have drain plugs, I’ve had pretty good luck with Dorman pans. I have one on the ram and the dart.

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[Grit dog]

That's why I showed the dimple in the pan. My guess is GM, if they were to a drain plug, it would be there, unless that dimple supports something internally.

Agreed on the DUMB DESIGN, my wife's 17 Regal is the same. No checking the fluid, no drain-n-fills, no topping off if needed.

I agree on the no dipstick/ability to add fluid easily. There are reasons that is a good idea but not for owners who aren’t automotively challenged.
But whatever….
You don’t need to weld the plug. You can but they also make many universal bolt in drain plugs. I wouldn’t put it in that recessed area though. Especially if it’s a bolt on one.
You’re already losing some drain capacity with the dimple being raised and the drain plug it self will make it worse. Find a spot that is on the flat and doesn’t interfere inside the pan and preferably towards the back of the pan since it’s easy to drive the front up on ramps and that will get the most fluid out.
Or just buy a pan with a drain plug. They’re cheap and available.
That said, 150k miles, presumably original trans, you’ve done a relatively complete fluid service with filter now…..unless you’re gonna subscribe to the change the fluid way too often approach, AND it will be your hi mile driver for a long time, the chances of you needing that drain plug again before the trans comes out is already leaning towards not needing it. Plus you bought an extractor AND you already put the pan back up so that’s double the work and mess again.
And you don’t even need it for another 50k miles or whatever and you’ll probably want to pop a filter in that old trans if you service it again.
Point being, the convenient drain plug opportunity passed a few days ago. Now there’s no reason for it at all. At least for the next 10 oil change intervals!

 

[DoubleDingo]

I agree on the no dipstick/ability to add fluid easily. There are reasons that is a good idea but not for owners who aren’t automotively challenged.
But whatever….
You don’t need to weld the plug. You can but they also make many universal bolt in drain plugs. I wouldn’t put it in that recessed area though. Especially if it’s a bolt on one.
You’re already losing some drain capacity with the dimple being raised and the drain plug it self will make it worse. Find a spot that is on the flat and doesn’t interfere inside the pan and preferably towards the back of the pan since it’s easy to drive the front up on ramps and that will get the most fluid out.

That was my thoughts as well, with a drain plug there is more old fluid left in the pan, especially at the dimple

 

[idahovette]

Not so........My drain plug was installed on the bottom/outside of the pan and NOT in the dimple. Drilled the hole with the proper size hole saw and welded the bung and installed the plug with the proper gasket. Also picked what looked to be the lowest spot in the pan, so not hardly any residue left after draining. It depends on how you want to do it......I have the hoist and the drain pan to put under it so not a big deal for me. This worked for me, not saying there are NOT other ways of doing it. Some times your comments can be a little condescending, @Grit dog, just cause you don't do it that way, doesn't necessarily mean it is right or works for everyone. It's all opinions, right?

 

[Sad Sack]

These are pretty slick, pricey but slick for draining oil.

https://ezoildrainvalve.com/i-1002-ez-oil-drain-valve-ez-101-1-2-20-unf-thread-size.html

NAPA carries them on their site too.

 

[Grit dog]

Not so........My drain plug was installed on the bottom/outside of the pan and NOT in the dimple. Drilled the hole with the proper size hole saw and welded the bung and installed the plug with the proper gasket. Also picked what looked to be the lowest spot in the pan, so not hardly any residue left after draining. It depends on how you want to do it......I have the hoist and the drain pan to put under it so not a big deal for me. This worked for me, not saying there are NOT other ways of doing it. Some times your comments can be a little condescending, @Grit dog, just cause you don't do it that way, doesn't necessarily mean it is right or works for everyone. It's all opinions, right?

You may have or did misread what I said. I believe we’re saying the same thing. He isn’t welding one on the pan so if a bolt in one get installed in that recess he’s losing even more depth to drain.
But realistically you can buy a basic pan with a drain plug for about $40. A plug costs $10 and a step drill will cost the other $30 if he don’t have one.
And not sure why you thought I was replying to you or even what you posted….
I think there some kids on your lawn that need yelled at….

 

[idahovette]

Nah I already yelled at 'em.....they're gone

 

[DoubleDingo]

I know some said the tires may be fine.

Sandy has a new set of shoes!

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[Grit dog]

I know some said the tires may be fine.

Sandy has a new set of shoes!

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Nice! Still can’t figure out how General got away with copying BFG AT tread. BFG patent must have expired or something…..
Those are great tires btw.