i dont think my transmission has ever been drained or refilled can anyone give me some input on how to do this. This is how im going to go about it this weekend
1. remove pan (L-shaped)
2. allow the fluid to drain into a pan big enough to cover the whole pan removal area
3. remove old filter when fluid has drained replace new filter
4. put new gasket on pan
5. bolt pan back up
6. refill fluid to tank specs
7. run engine for a couple of minutes then check fluid level

please give me some good input thanks!!!!

a couple of changes to your list

slowly remove the bolts on the narrowest part of the pan, so the fluid drains somewhat cleanly
clean the gasket and tranny pan. check magnet
after refilling the tranny, slowly put the tranny in each gear, PRND321, then slowly back up. 1-2 seconds per gear.

You can buy a large sterlite kitchen pan to catch oil. I think someone mentioned a 20" by 30" availabe at Walmart, Kmart, type stores. Or use oil catch pan lots of sheet plastic around to catch drips.
Loosen bolts then loosen end that'* small more so it breaks seal and starts draining.
To remove old filter I use a large. flat blade screwdriver to apply a little leverage right at the connector tube against the iron of the transmission body.
I do the same to remove the little collar/seal that is there that doesn't want to come out very well.
Lube the new seal with petroleum jelly to help slide her in.
Use the OLD rubber gasket. It is reuseable and helps transfer heat to the transmission pan. The new gasket is probably cork.
Refill up to low mark when cold. Run trans briefly. Add fluid, if necessary. Then drive for 10 minutes or more and add fluid up to below full. Then recheck after normal hot drive. Do not overfill. IIRC mine hit the low mark at 5 quarts. And burped a little and I ended up with 6.5 or so on 03 model car.

thanks for the info, i appreciate it

Let'* take a step back.

In your list of steps. You need to put the new filter on (I'm sure it was implied...but want to make sure)

Please..don't use a screwdriver or other object to pry inside the transmission at all. You could damage something w/o realizing it. The collar I suggest not removing and replacing unless the new filter does not fit snugly. They are tough to remove and tough to get the new one in properly. If the old collar is good, resuse it.

On the gasket: The factory gasket is considered a lifetime reusable gasket. It is a metal gasket with rubber inlaid into it and once cleaned and inspected for any problem areas should be reused.

The new gasket you get will most likely be cork or rubber. Both will work, not as well as the factory original though.

when i did mine i also ran the whole thing thru a degreaser just to get it extra clean...im pretty sure u could use carb cleaner too if ud like

Have tons of GoJo, Lava, or other heavy duty soap available for cleaning yourself up afterwards. This is a potentially messy job, especially if you've never done it before.

Do not be suprised when you have Tranny fluid all the way up to, if not beyond, your shoulders.....

this applies to the transmission pan only..not the transmission or any internal parts.

MOS95B ... I think you did sometning wrong bud.

Nope. Just the fact that it was my first attempt, and I ony jacked the car up high enough to work on it. Laying on my back, tranny fluid ran down(up) my arms. Then I layed in the puddle my undersized drip pan didn't catch.

I'm not the neatest mechanic in the world....
But getting dirty (and usually bleeding) is half the fun.....

This weekend will be the first time I've serviced the transmission on this car. I like drain plugs for a variety of reasons. I'm thinking of putting it on the trailing side of the pan, but I won't know if it will fit until I get the pan off. Has anyone else installed a plug and do you have any advice?