Some trans removal help please?

[btoscano]

This is my first pick-up trans removal. Its the first vehicle I've owned that used SAE sizes Bear with me if you will, I have a lot more experience with MB diesels.



The trans cooler lines seem constantly in the way. For example, I discovered that the TC bolts should not be removed thru the inspection cover, there is a plate on the side that looks like I should to do there, next to the barring tool plug. But the coolant/trans heat exchanger makes fitment difficult. Will I need to move them completely away, i. e. unbolt them from the oil pan to get the trans out? Any tips?



For the crossmember, does it get completely unbolted or just unbolt the trans mount? Some of the bolts have blind heads, or just take open end of a wrench to hold on the top of the frame?



Driveshaft. I removed the caps for the U-joint and unbolted the center support bearing, what else should I do with it to get it out of the way? Currently the end is hanging on the crossmember.



Will I need to support the engine with the trans removed? If so, what's a good way to do it? I have an engine hoist that I might could hook to the back of the motor in lieu of a jack from below.



Thanks for sharing any ideas/experience. I don't expect to get terribly proficient at this so any pointers to make the job go smoother would be appreciated. Unfortunately I didn't get the shop manuals yet.



Brian

 

[phillips5]

I just tightened my brothers torqueconverter bolts through the cover by the baring cover and the cooler and lines were not in the way. It is a 95 though. Take drive shaft compleatly away from truck ( get a tailshaft plug from a parts store so you don't wear trans oil). You should suport the engine I used a jack and a bord under the oil pan. I think if the engine mount bolts are in good shape you don't have to suport the engine but if they arn't you could get a suprise. The cross member does have to come out of the way and stick a box end rench onthe heads on the top of the framerail. You could bench press it but a jack is easier ben there done that when I was younger.

 

[btoscano]

Okay, thanks. But these transmission cooler lines that cross just in front of the transmission pan still concern me. Will I be Okay to leave the lines attached to the heat exchanger? I tried using a wrench and prybry against the frame to loosen, they are tight and its might take forever if I don't use a hack saw and cut out the whole mess!



Thanks,

 

[btoscano]

By the way, the replacement transmission came with the tail housing.