How tight do I need to get the transmission pan bolts? I don't have an inch-pound torque wrench. A friend told me to just "snug them up good" with a 1/4 inch ratchet. Is this correct?

 

Thats true actually as I think my Hayes manuel calls for 97in-lbs especially since its aluminum on mine/G 4L60E. I didnt use my inch pound wrench but I tightened the bolts in order till they were decently snug then repeated in order re-tightening but still not bearing down to make sure they got a even seal. Its basically till you feel the pan tighten up a little bit with the seal then repeating the tightening process but nothing "tight" just snug. hehe bit of repeats here and there but trust me you can do it. Also I applied a light amount of black RV caucking just to hold the seal in place so it didnt move around on me when I was putting the pan up.

 

O.k. then. Well I just put the pan on this evening before dark, drove the truck for a while until everything got up to temperature, then checked the pan....saw no leaks so far. I am just worried about the bolts maybe vibrating off if its' not tight enough. Could this happen?

 

Ive never had the problem and I dont think its likely unless you didnt tighten the bolts at all lol. When the tranny heats up it will bring the pan in tighter so you shouldnt have to worry. In the morning if your feeling nervous then just go back under and check a few bolts otherwise congrats on changing the tranny fluid.

 

Yeah,snug is fine..I hope you have a paper or plastic gasket though...those older cork gaskets are a real bitch for leaking

 

Believe the one I put on is rubber/cork mixture.