So the dx pan has no holes for the L brackets. Did not having the brackets cause a problem for anyone? The ex pan looks like a better inner design, I hope I didn't make a bad choice...

Oh, and I'm hearing some rattling, is replacing the exhaust gaskets a must?

 

The stiffener brackets for the transmission? No you don't need them.

If you're talking aluminum vs steel pan on a '96 - '00 the steel pan is a better design, they don't crack and they don't normally end up with a stripped oil drain plug hole.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have a little bit of a rattle down there, are the gaskets a must to replace?

The one cracks and the other dents. I feel like there is an upside to either.

 

There aren't any gaskets down there. Inspection plate for the flywheel/flexplate might be loose, or an exhaust heatsheild.

Dents don't leak. As long as you don't have a dent where the pickup is it wont matter.

 

I meant exhaust gaskets. After driving it a bit Im pretty sure there is an exhaust leak

 

You should have an exhaust manifold gasket between your manifold and your head, and a doughnut crush gasket between the manifold and cat/b-pipe.

Also, are you sure you have a DX pan? My DX has the bracket between the transmission and block running around the oil pan, but I don't know if there's a difference in the brackets.