...that explains why there's a leak still. I guess, I'll just save up for a better trans. pan and dipstick tube while I'm at it if I'm going to take out the pan again. From my prior memory, the trans. inner is compact already...so I'm not quite too sure how I'll be able to put in the Lokar trans dipstick lock version. ;T
I'm confused too... You lost me on the above info. Exactly which gasket was stuck to the box. There's no way the big pan gasket would have been missed. And the small one wouldn't cause an external leak. You may have overtightened the bolts or have some other issues.
Now, if you mean the smaller one that goes with the filter than it's possible unfiltered fluid will get into the transmission if it's not a tight fit. Personally, I would bite the bullet and install the gasket. Why take a chance.