Transmission bolt missing?

[Keiterburb]

I was changing my oil when I noticed the lower left bell housing by the oil filter was missing a bolt! I had previously replaced an inspection cover as well. I purchased last year and now wonder if this transmission is not the original? Anyway to easily check?

 

[mattbta]

Could be from replacing the oil pan gasket as well since that bolt has to come out..might have forgotten to put it back?

 

[wjburken]

On a 2003, there’s no telling what’s been taken apart and replaced. Double check everything and make sure everything is torqued properly and no other bolts are missing.

 

[iamdub]

I was changing my oil when I noticed the lower left bell housing by the oil filter was missing a bolt! I had previously replaced an inspection cover as well. I purchased last year and now wonder if this transmission is not the original? Anyway to easily check?

View attachment 272738

Maybe some ****** thought it was the oil drain plug and still never put it back once they realized their mistake.

...One night I went out to change the oil and went ahead to remove the drain plug. No oil came out! I then realized I took off a bell housing bolt.

 

[mattbta]

Lol...now that's a deep one!

 

[drakon543]

best i can tell you for checking if its not the original trans are 2 things. look all over the trans for yellow or white markings. this will give a hint it came from a salvage yard. next look all over for a tag hanging from a bolt somewhere or a nameplate. some of the more reputable trans shops will tag thier work. outside of that above statements are in the ballpark. someone could have replaced the rear main seal at some point and forgot a bolt or didn't tighten it.

 

[Keiterburb]

Thanks for all the comments on the possibilities, I will inspect closer as I should have ICT billet trans bolts coming in today.