1999 Olds 88 v6 3.8 Transmission filter
 

I drained the fluid out of the transmission today (very messy job, especially in windy conditions) Fluid was a good reddish color,did not smell burnt, and no metal shavings on the pan magnet. Is there a trick to getting the filter pushed all the way back in? I had to pull hard, to get the old one out, would some vaseline on the outside of the seal help get it all the way in?

Are you sure the old nozzle end is out?

I believe so, here is the old filter, nozzle end shown by white arrow. Is that seal part removable from the filter,so it and the filter be put in separately? Sorry for any stupid questions, but it's been about 7 years since I last worked on one of these. I have a manual somewhere, but can't lay my hands on it right now
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmf...0e5ab38936.jpg

The dirt in the bottom of the drain pan, is from dirt that I had to dump in the pan, to keep it from blowing away

Look in the hole and see it it's clear. If so you install the little seal first then push the filter on. Lube it with ATF

Ok,thanks. I recall sticking my finger and it was clear. Why in the world they pressed that seal on the filter at the factory, instead of leaving it off is beyond me. I'll have to figure out how to carefully remove it off the filter, then push the seal into the case first and then the filter

If you're going to damage it by removing it, then you'd be better off trying to put the filter in with the seal already on it. Carefully.

I'm with you, I've always gotten kits that have the seal separate so it can be installed first.

What manufacturer is the filter kit?

AutoZone brand.Today I managed to wiggle the filter down,leaving the seal in place. Used a small block of wood and with a small hammer gently tapped the seal in place. Filter then went in perfectly

Good to hear you got it figured out!