Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trans install tips?

[9 Lives]

I have yet to figure out a sure bet way to get my auto transmission installed on my truck. Being its a 4X4 my floor jack will not lift high enough to get the transmission all the way up to the motor. Is there a better way to get it up there? Really didn't want to spend just yet the $300 bucks on a floor jack but if that's the only decently safe way to lift this sucker (not to mention transfer case) up to level.



I tried taking the transfer case off but in the process broke 2 ratchets and bent 1 wrench... . THOSE PUPPIES AINT MOVIN!#@$%!

 

[BSmalley]

I would positively want a transmission jack. Having done all the transmission's that are available for our trucks with both regular floor jack and a transmission jack, I'd never use a floor jack again. I bought a transmission jack from harborfreight.com. It is item #3185-2VGA for $139. 99, 800 lb capacity and it works great. So much safer than the floor jack routine and with the fine adjustments, it makes it very easy with a manual transmission to get everything lined up. Well worth the money. You also might want to check whatever parts stores are in your area, some of them rent equipment like this. Good Luck

Bill

 

[y-knot]

You sound like a accident waiting to happen..... these trucks will hurt you if you give then half the chance. You don't have the equipment to properly install or remove the transmission, so something has to give. Either break down and buy the needed equipment and supplies or take it to someone that knows what there doing. Good Luck.

 

[zstroken]

I think harbor freight has a transmission jack for around $100, if nothing else get the adapter that goes on your floor jack.

 

[Joe G.]

Don't mess around with a floor jack adapter. The problem is aligning the transmission when you put it back. The floor jack does not move sideways very well. I have a transmission jack I bought from Harbor Freight. It works fine. Much better to get the proper jack than risking getting hurt bad or breaking the transmission.

 

[vssman]

Northern Tool has a transmission floor jack that will lift much higher than a standard floor jack. That's an awfull lot of weight just waiting to fall on your head - Not to mention, it would probably break something off of the transmission/transfer case...

 

[Larry Downs]

I changed mine a couple of months ago. My floor jack would not go high enough either. I used one floor jack to lift the transmission and roll it under the truck. I used tied down straps to hold the transmission on the jack. I rolled the transmission into place under the truck.



I took my other jack and lowered the truck enough to get the transmission to line up. I was just super carefull and took extra time to make sure nothing was going to hit and jacked it right into place.



Good luck.

 

[9 Lives]

I think I will hit up harbor freight tonight to get a trans jack. Thanks guys

 

[Allnew2Me]

I did mine not too long ago all by myself and this is how I did it. I made an adapter out of a pipe flange and a piece of 3/4" pipe that fit tight in my floor jack. I bolted plywood to that to form a flat surface that the trans pan could sit on. I did build up the layers of ply to increase height because I had my front wheels up about 6 " so the trans would clear my running boards. With the trans centered on the platform I just sat behind it and pulled it back and lowered it. It was easy.

Installing it was more difficult but not bad once I figured out how to do it safely. I built up blocks to sit on each side of the floor jack on the ground at a height that allowed plywood platform to sit on them and be stable. I dragged the trans under the truck on cardboard with the old pan on it and then rocked it up on several pieces of stacked plywood until it was at the height of the jack platform and then slid it onto the jack. I centered it up until it balanced and then rolled it into position with the side blocks supporting the plywood platform. I raised it slowly and stacked more ply scraps on the side to make sure I could lower it if needed and it would be solid. When I was certain it would go, I raised it up and rolled the jack forward until the dowel pins were lined up and used the extension with the ratchet to get several bolts started. I left the jack there to hold the weight until I had all the bolts in and snugged up. It was not too bad due to the fact that I could sit up under the truck.

The transfercase was actually more difficult because it does not sit flat, I had to block it up sort of level and then was able to get it in position.

I did it this way becasue at the time I didn't have anyone to give me a hand, but if you have an extra pair of hands it is a lot easier. the key is to take your time and think about what you are doing, plan your steps.

 

[9 Lives]

My application is a bit more difficult because I can't get the transfer case off... its frozen on somewhat. So I have more weight and its not even.

 

[horned Toad]

I used an ATV lift for my NV 4500, it was way cheaper than a true transmission jack and had a big flat surface for the transmission. Got it from Sears for 100 bucks. I have seen numerous safety bulletins on china made jacks failing under very small loads, I would not get one. I think all Harbor Freight sells now is crap from china

 

[Joe G.]

My Harbor Freight jack has worked fine. I also use it for other things.

 

[Demon Dodge]

I have used the Harbor Freight jack to do the NV4500 several times and just used it to do the NV5600 it works great.