Need quick auto transmission R&R HELP

[zman]

Installing new torque converter. Trying to do this the fastest way possible. Questions:



- Looks like I can just unhook everything and slide transmission/transfer case back. Do I need to unhook crossmember from the transmission, or can I leave it in place while I slide everything back? (see signature for truck info)



- Driveshaft removal. Looks like it is easier to disconnect front drive shaft at u-joint and leave it hanging on the transfer case. Also looks easier to drop carrier bearing and disconnect rear driveshaft at rear u-joing and leave hanging from rear of transfer case.



- There is a block of vacuum hoses attached to the top rear of transfer case. how does this come off?



Any other tips???



All I have left is drive shafts and crossmember. Thanks!



Steve

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by zman

Installing new torque converter. Trying to do this the fastest way possible. Questions:



- Looks like I can just unhook everything and slide transmission/transfer case back. Do I need to unhook crossmember from the transmission, or can I leave it in place while I slide everything back? (see signature for truck info)



- Driveshaft removal. Looks like it is easier to disconnect front drive shaft at u-joint and leave it hanging on the transfer case. Also looks easier to drop carrier bearing and disconnect rear driveshaft at rear u-joing and leave hanging from rear of transfer case.



- There is a block of vacuum hoses attached to the top rear of transfer case. how does this come off?



Any other tips???



All I have left is drive shafts and crossmember. Thanks!



Steve

Steve, I unbolted all the cross member bolts except the top-rearmost ones and then used the truck's jack and a 2x4 cut to length to spread the frame rails just enough to rotate the cross-member back about 3 inches. Left just enough room to slide the transmission and transfer case back away from the engine. If you do it this way, you'll be laying under the TC when you slide it out. Be forewarned this weighs about 75 lbs and WILL leak ATF down your arms/neck/back. Make sure the truck is cool and don't get burned.



Regarding driveshafts: I did what you said on the front driveshaft. The rear one slides out of the transfer case easily once disconnected from the yoke of the rear diff and the carrier bearing, stuff a rag into it as it will likely leak a little. Don't forget to mark the driveshafts and yokes so you can reinstall exactly the same and not be out of balance.



Vacuum hoses slide off the metal tubing.



Other tips; I used a floor jack under the transmission pan to raise/lower and move the transmission around on the jack's wheels. When putting the bolts back into the flywheel/TC, put them all in without tightening as the last one is much easier to line up if everything is not already tight. You don't need to take the starter off. I changed my exhaust system at the same time. There was a lot more room with the exhaust components out of the way.



Good luck and have fun!

 

[Bill Kondolay]

I am at the shop tomorrow, call me if you need a hand,

1-604-504-4002

Bill