Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) DIY GSK how hard is it?

[The patriot]

I tried pricing getting it done, one place wants 4 hrs labor ($400++), the other tells me they wont do it unless they pull the pump. I cant justify that money right now.



How difficult is it?

I have degenerative disc disease and cant do nearly what I once could. :{

Should I start this? Is it worth the effort? I have a 98 5 speed.

I'm somewhat mechanical (went to mechanic school 30+ years ago) but was never employed as a mechanic.

 

[Bob4x4]

Just when I tell somebody they can do a job,they drop something and mess it up. I no longer try to tell anyone what they can or can not do
I would not recommend it to anyone with a bad back. There will be some leaning over to get it done

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I generally get 200 for it. If you drop or lose a shim etc. inside the governor, you are in trouble. Hope this helps.

 

[The patriot]

Bob, I got pain meds, so if I med up to do it... . dont mind the fact that I'll need to lay on the couch a few days after this is done.
I should be OK for an hour or maybe two, but I wont be able to lay over the fender for much more than that.

Thanks Joe, I thought the prices I got were a little outta line.
Is it safe to assume if I do this from the side plug, it'll be pretty hard to drop anything in there? It looks like the opening isnt large enough to really lose any parts in there.

TIA

 

[Bob4x4]

I have seen people lose parts inside and bend the studs. Both have costly repercussions. I have made a tool to remove and reinstall the nut

 

[Cosmo]

Where are you located? I'm not sure about here on the TDR, but other forums I frequent usually have plenty of folks willing to help out. If you're anywhere near NW Washington I'd be happy to lend you a hand. They weren't all that difficult, pulling the pump is a waste of time and money.

 

[The patriot]

Thanks Cosmo, I'm in Ocean county, nj.

Bob, I was thinking about just that scenario.

 

[Axtell3]

Check the travel companion in the top toolbar. There must be a local member who'd give yah a hand... It's under site features.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have done it from the top and from the side. You have to take off more stuff to get decent access to the side port, but there is probably more chance of dropping or losing something from the top. The shims are thin, however, so you need to watch carefully while removing springs. They like to stick to the bottom of a spring due to oil tension, then fall off at the wrong moment.

 

[The patriot]

Thanks Joe, guess I'll pass.