If I only want to remove and replace the transmission fluid (no filter change) on a 4L60-E/4l65-E transmission, is it possible to use a fluid extractor / evacuator / vacuum pump rather than dropping the pan?

Thank you.

 

Here is a discussion in the Impala section of the forum on draining/replacing, give it a read.. I don't see any reason why you couldn't pump it out...
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/imp...-change-66823/

 

It's hard to change the filter without dropping the pan.

 

mity vac makes a unit designed for this purpose. Sells for about $100 in the great white north...probably way cheaper in the USA.

 

I wouldn't use a vacuum pump, that would be no different than just dropping the pan. I have done running changes in the past. Just pull one of the trans lines from the radiator, I don't remember which one. Run a hose into a bucket. It helps to mark one quart increments one the inside of the bucket, Start the engine and immediately start to pour new fluid down the dipstick. At idle you can keep up pretty well, just pour in at the same rate it is being pumped out. You won't get 100% replacement, but it will be a big improvement over old fluid.