Replacing our trans filter in preparation for a long trip

I've done this a few times. It can be an awful mess. I recommend a big piece of cardboard under the pan to absorb the drips, which are everywhere.

However, I've never really found any debris in the filter, certainly nowhere near enough to worry about flow rate.

I think the new fluid is the important part of this job. The next time I do this, I'm planning on just having the system back-flushed with fresh fluid, which will replace more fluid than a drain-and-fill, and it will clean the filter somewhat.