ZF Tranny & Oil Filter Base Questions

[emmodg]

I changed my oil and filter today and I noticed that the base that the filter spins on to, (3.9ltr), started to seep oil between the two "halves" of the actual base itself. (This is the filter base that two oil "pipes" are attached to) The big one-piece nut/ threaded male part which actually connects the filter to the base was loose and when I tightened it it seemed to cure the liitle leek. But after a test drive I think it "wants" to seep again. Is there a gasket that the two halves share that could be bad? I also noticed that there are are what appear to be a couple of "drain bolts" you can take out. What are these? Now - if you have a ZF tranny do you have to spread the frame rails to change the tranny fluid filter? Sorry if this is a bit long.

Thanks!
J.B.

[choffa@comcast.net]

The two halves of the oil filter housing are the mount & the cooler. There is a gasket in between. It is the same gasket used on an oil filter, pop off an old filter if you need to replace it. Tighten the nut with a deep socket and monitor it. the other bolt houses the pressure relief valve. Don't remove unless you plan on replacing the spring, plunger & gasket.

To replace trans filter you need to drop the exhaust Y pipe & spread the frame rails enough to drop the cross member. Best tool for that job is a Porta Power hydraulic jack. Makes short work of it. A screw type axle jack & a spacer will also get it done.

[emmodg]

Thanks for the help!

J.B.