How to Remove A Transmission

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By nsuengineer06
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Transmission

There are many reasons one may need to remove a transmission from a car or truck. This article will explain the basics of removing and re-installing a transmission from a rear wheel drive vehicle.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Ratchet, Sockets, & Wrenches
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Angle-grinder, oxy-acetylene torch rig, or other steel cutting apparatus

Step 1

Wheel Chock

To start off with, there are a few aspects of this task that are somewhat dangerous, so please use caution. Step 1 is to place the vehicle on a level surface that is suitable to lay on. You will spend a significant amount of time under the vehicle. Be sure to chock the wheels so the vehicle will not roll.
Step 2

Go inside the vehicle and remove the boot on the bottom of the shifter so you can remove the shifter from the top of the transmission. Nearly all shifters are different so you will just have to examine you specific application to see how it comes out.
Step 3

Jack Stand

If need be, jack the vehicle up and place it on jack-stands to make room to work underneath.
Step 4

Next disconnect the drive shaft from the transmission and rear pinion and place it aside.
Step 5

Now locate and disconnect any and all linkage connections and wiring connected to the transmission. Some models may or may not have wiring, it just depends on the application.
Step 6

Now you need to examine very close the transmission cross-member that is supporting the rear of the transmission. Usually this member will be held in place by 4 rivets, 2 on each side. This makes it painfully difficult to remove the member. You can remove the transmission without bothering this member but you will have to pull the entire engine and transmission through the engine bay. Since you decided this is too much work we can get back to business.
Step 7

Now you need to remove all of the bolts from the bell housing except for 2, one on either side just to hold the trans in place for the next step.
Step 8

This step is the one that usually turns peoples stomachs. It is time to do some cutting! Seriously, you will have to either grind the head off of the rivets, or cut them out using a torch. First, place a rolling floor jack or transmission jack under the trans and jack it up until you have a little pressure against the transmission. Now you can begin removing the rivets from the cross-member.
Step 9

Now that you have the cross-member loose you can remove the remaining bolts from the bell housing.
Step 10

Slowly start sliding the transmission toward the rear of the vehicle being cautious of any wiring you may have over-looked. Once you have the trans back far enough that the splined shaft will clear the pressure plate, you can begin lowering the transmission and double check to make sure everything is disconnected.
Step 11

When you are sure everything is disconnected finish removing the transmission. That's it! Now to re-install it, just reverse these steps exactly.