Has anyone tried draining the fluid without removing the support plate? The hole in the support plate looks kinda small, and I'm wondering if the transmission oil will wind up hitting the sides of the hole and splattering everywhere?

 

Yes I did it on my Spyder. The trans axle fluid went right through the hole in the support plate without a mess. The car was level on stands and the fluid was warm.

 

Cool. Thanks!

 

I replaced the gearbox oil at the first engine oil change. No need to remove the suport plate. Some oil did get on the plate but wasn't an issue to clean up.