Changing tranny fluid is a freaking mess. I am thinking about installing a drain plug to remove it before taking off the pan.

Has anyone done this? Any reason I should not? Any other advice?

plug:
xxtp://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=4692

 

I would get the type of fitting that is welded in.
I installed a temp probe in mine. It serves as a drain plug of sorts.
A new pan is around $10. You can install the plug in one and have it ready for the next service.
Also, you could pull most of the oil out through the dip stick tube with an oil oil extractor (Pella).
See the pic below for some ideas.

 

That is an intriguing idea. What is the stock pan coated with? Or more specifically, once I grind/weld what do I need to do to the effected pan metal to avoid any problem?

 

I just repainted the welded area. The OEM pan has regular paint, no primer, inside and out.

 

Not a bad idea. I have considered it myself. See the attached, I have settled on not dropping the pan at all.
http://home.comcast.net/~kingslea1/Jeep/Tranny.pdf

 

Does anyone make a pan with a drain plug? Wish they made something like that and also out of thicker steel similar to the Benchmark oil pan (I think that's who makes the tougher oil pan) for added protection.