6L80 Trans Oil Pan Removal?

[dmarty]

Tried to change the trans oil and filter on my 2012 Sierra 4x4 with 5.3 and 6L80 and found that when you unbolt the pan it hits the Y-pipe so you can’t remove the pan. Same thing happened on my ’99 5.3 with the 4L60, but at least the ’99 had a trans drain plug so you could easily change the oil, if not the filter. It looks like it’s a pain to disconnect the Y-pipe at the right manifold as one of the studs is blocked by the O2 sensor. So what’s the best way to get the pan off? Drop the Y-pipe or maybe raise the trans by unbolting the transfer case mount at the cross member and jacking up the trans a bit? If I drop the Y-pipe, is it best to remove the right fender liner to get access to the manifold stud blocked by the O2 sensor? Can I lower the Y-pipe enough by lowering the muffler and rest of the exhaust system, but leaving the Y-pipe connected to the manifolds?

Also my plan is to weld/braze a nut in the bottom of the pan and install a 4L60 drain plug so I can change the oil without removing the pan. I’m not sure what the pan is made of, looks like aluminum, but a magnet sticks to it, so I’m thinking I can probably braze a steel nut on the inside of the pan. Has anybody tried it?

Thanks!

[clinebarger]

Pull the O2 sensor & the Y-pipe. The pan is steel.

[dmarty]

Thanks!