Now, My raider is standard and I have actually never done a fluid and filter service on anything with this model transmission. However, Most Import rear wheel drive and 4 wheel drive transmissions are very similar in design. The dipstick tube SHOULD be of a two piece design, One piece That is welded to the pan, and a different tube that comes from the top. Look for a "Reducer" type piece in the dipstick tube, this is where the tube will split. Normally the O-ring seals VERY well and requires a fair amount of effort to detach. The real battle will be getting it back on. I might be completely wrong on this too lol but all other transmissions i've worked on have been this way.

The dipstick tube is two pieces the bottom one inserts into the top like you are putting together a tent pole, the bottom gets narrow and inserts into the top. there should not be anything holding them together assuming you have all the bolts off the pan, other than the friction of the o-ring that seals the two together..I'll see if I have a pic on file from when I did mine.

This makes me feel better. i will have to look this afternoon, but it look like one piece to me. Its funny I have all the bolts off and the pan is hanging about an inch. i have wiggled it around while unbolting the top mount, but did not see a seem at all, but I am having trouble seeing the entire dipstick. Any pictures would be great. I do not want to break anything. Thanks

This is the only pic I have that shows the tube, this was a few days after I first bought my 89..The trans was toast and I swapped it out later.

Thanks for the pic. I got it off. It was a pain to get the dipstick to disconnect, and when it did tranny fluid splashed everywhere. I am had streaks all over my face and body look like jungle camo, I could not do a better job if I tried. Then I got stung in the finger by a wasp.

Anyways, Got the pan off cleaned it up and painted it. It was great there hardly any any sludge on the magnets or in the screen. Good sign that the tranny is in good shape. Took 4hrs to get all together. This has been the least favorite thing so far to work on the montero. Hopefully it will help others when they think about doing this job.
Here is the pan all painted up


This is showing the valve body assembally with the screen in the corner held on by 6x 8mm head bolts. They definitely did not want this screen to go anywhere.


In the background you can see the dipstick tube to give an idea of how far up it splits off. mine had so much crud around it I did not even know it was a 2 piece. Also you can get an idea of how much splattered. Everything is wet underneth. It is going to make it tough for awhile to see if the tranny is still leaking.