Ok, I didn't see too much information on this particular subject in this forum, or on the Internet in general, and I hope it will save someone else some time.

Spent about 5 hours on a 30 minute job last night. I recently hit 100k miles, and I just wanted to change the transmission filter.

This is a 2000 4wd 5.3L LT

The shift cable bracket on this MUST be removed if you want to get the pan all the way out. Don't try bending it, or anything else. The front driveshaft will not allow the bracket to pivot out of the way with just one bolt removed. Just get the bracket completely off.

It's 2 x T40 torx bolts on the top of the transmission pan mounting surface.

They are a complete pain to get to if you're working on ramps in your driveway. Hopefully they will not be too tight for you. I had one that was too tight, and I struggled and struggled until I finally went back with the torx bit and an 8mm box end wrench on it, and put 4.5 hours of frustration into that bolt in one explosion. Felt like I stripped it, but it finally cracked loose.

Once the bracket is off, you're done in a half-hour.