fellro

That is pretty much normal. It allows for the receiver to stay hidden under the vehicle, but the ball mount to be far enough away fromt he vehicle to allow for turning wthout damage to the vehicle.

 

There is no bottom pan, the drain plug is in the bottom of the transmission case itself. Just remove plug, let drain, re-install plug and fill up. The filter is not serviceable unless you drop the trans out and split the cases open.... it doesn't get changed under a normal service. When you drain it it's right at 5 quarts that comes out, refill with 5 quarts and it should be right at the full mark once warmed up. Repeat 2 more times, running for 3 minutes in between to flush all fluid out of the torque converter

Is there an actual way to check the level? My mom's 12 Edge has developed what appears to be an axle seal leak, so I will want to be sure the level is correct once I get the seal changed. I do most all of my own work, and have for a long time. I am trained, but left the field. It is out of warranty already before that suggestion comes out. 125,000 miles on it already. Been a few little things that went during warranty, and one big one. The turbo gave out with about 4-6000 left in warranty, the power steering line was leaking at about 40,000, then one other thing I'm not remembering right now.