Help with Tranny on 96 ford ranger

[chillincarp870]

hey guys i have a 96 ford ranger, the person before me i don't think has changed the tranny filter, fluid, or gaskets for the pan ever on this truck, i have noticed that it looks like trany fluid is leaking out somewhere behing the tranny, i think it may even be coming through the worn gasket, i have read problems with switching out tranny fluid can ruin the tranny if the fluid has debris in it, i don't have any tools to jack up my truck and take the pan off, anyone have any ideas what could be going on here? is it risky to just drop the pan when can and change out the filter and gasket to see if that fixes the leak? Thank you for any information

[jmd1]

well no matter how you do it, you are going to loose fluid. I would find a reputable tranny shop and have them do it. By the time you buy the fluid, the filter, time to dispose of old fluid, equipment to raise vehicle, you could have the dealer do it. and ask them their thoughts. You could try and snug down the pan bolts but it might just leak more. Good luck, how many miles on it?

[chillincarp870]

its a 96 with 145000 probalby 50000 on old tranny fluid my best guess

[chillincarp870]

anyone know of any reliable shops around Mankato?