I'm having a problem separating the upper tube from the lower(elbow at pan) to remove the pan and get at the filter. Is there a trick that I'm missing? The Chilton manual doesn't address this. Any help would be welcome(I'm new to the Jeep world!)

Both of my Jeeps dont have the dipstick in the pan. Are u sure the dipstick is in the pan and not the trans. 93XJ & 96ZJ

I had to continue wiggling,twisting and pulling before mine fianlly separated. Try spraying some WD-40 or other penetrating oil down the tube to loosen up the junk that causing the tubes to stick.

YUP, Saudade is right, I too had problems on my 00'XJ with the tube, a little elbow grease, and showing it who's boss.