The pan does not have to come off. It will have to come off if the little dogbone falls out but it is not manditory to start. Take the new B2 piston and put a dab of vasoline where the dogbone goes. Put the dogbone in the B2 piston and pack more vasoline around it. This will hold the dogbone in place and allow you to put the B2 back in and usually the dogbone will go right in to the band and all will be good. I did my 84 300D that way. What everyone else is saying is true about the rest of the job. I did work for a transmission shop before so I have a few tricks up my sleeve but I am certain you can do this too. Vasoline, by the way, is like a product that transmission people use called transjel. It is like grease while cold and melts away after it warms up. Good Luck, Eric.

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1984 300D, 246k, veggie, sold
1982 300SD 301k