in the driveway
in the driveway ok so it looks like i'll be installing my trans in the driveway, do you guys have any tips, suggestions, comments, recommendations, or just general **** that people dont think about. i want to cover all the bases before i start....thanks...
-jackstands. youll want the rear wheels to be off the ground so you can turn the driveshaft to get to the bolts.
-get your car high enough that you can slide the trans out to get to it. the bellhousing is pretty tall.
-if you still have the stock converter bolts dont round them out. they are hex bit. I wouldnt suggest puttting those back in. get hex head bolts
-dont lose the e-clips
-youll need to take the dipstick bolt out to get it out of the pan.
-make sure you dont lose or tear the dipstick seal.
the 'modernmusclecars' trans review is the best thing for you to read.
-get your car high enough that you can slide the trans out to get to it. the bellhousing is pretty tall.
-if you still have the stock converter bolts dont round them out. they are hex bit. I wouldnt suggest puttting those back in. get hex head bolts
-dont lose the e-clips
-youll need to take the dipstick bolt out to get it out of the pan.
-make sure you dont lose or tear the dipstick seal.
the 'modernmusclecars' trans review is the best thing for you to read.
so how high do you think i will need to get? about as high to put headers in? because i can get it that high easy.
any parts i should plan on picking up beforehand in case i destroy them? besides thw dipstick seal i guess...
already got the bolts, looks like i got pretty much what i need...
edit: oh yeah, is there a chance i might need a special tool for anything? or perhaps a regular tool that isnt found in semi-basic tool sets?
any parts i should plan on picking up beforehand in case i destroy them? besides thw dipstick seal i guess...
already got the bolts, looks like i got pretty much what i need...
edit: oh yeah, is there a chance i might need a special tool for anything? or perhaps a regular tool that isnt found in semi-basic tool sets?
Originally Posted by spy2520
so how high do you think i will need to get? about as high to put headers in? because i can get it that high easy.
any parts i should plan on picking up beforehand in case i destroy them? besides thw dipstick seal i guess...
already got the bolts, looks like i got pretty much what i need...
edit: oh yeah, is there a chance i might need a special tool for anything? or perhaps a regular tool that isnt found in semi-basic tool sets?
any parts i should plan on picking up beforehand in case i destroy them? besides thw dipstick seal i guess...
already got the bolts, looks like i got pretty much what i need...
edit: oh yeah, is there a chance i might need a special tool for anything? or perhaps a regular tool that isnt found in semi-basic tool sets?
Also The MM says to use two 24" extensions for the top bolt. That was way too long.. I used 3/8 drive and all it did was bind up and bow the extensions. So I used 1 24" and another 10" and it was plenty long..
And does anyone have the part number for the dipstick seal?
Last edited by Joel_SS; Jul 22, 2006 at 06:29 PM.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
I yanked my transmission out 4 times this year (TH400). You will need to raise the car ATLEAST 18inches... Depending on exhaust clearence, i would go 20" to be safe. You will need 4 - 6 ton jackstands. A tarp to catch the trans oil... Some 10mm and 13mm bolts and some looooong extensions to get that top bolt (have fun w/ that one) lol. You will need to remove the starter, i used two zip ties and tied them to the lower A-arms... Hmmm, you will have to get two different jacks (one to hold the motor - to tilt it down - and the other to brace the transmission). Disconnect your exhaust to to allow the motor to tilt. If you need any help, let us know! good luck and have fun!
J
J
wow, i have two 3-ton jackstands that go up about 21", i planned on putting them on the back and putting the front on ramps, but from the sounds of it that wont work...i'll have to find some extensions because as of right now i have none...
the exhaust will be a bitch to disconnect, its welded everywhere except from the y-pipe to the headers and i used band clamps there it appears the trans will clear it, but i may need to disconnect it ifi have to pivot the motor alot...
and what size are the stock converter bolts?
the exhaust will be a bitch to disconnect, its welded everywhere except from the y-pipe to the headers and i used band clamps there it appears the trans will clear it, but i may need to disconnect it ifi have to pivot the motor alot...
and what size are the stock converter bolts?
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
I believe the stock converter bolts are 13mm/ 1/2inch??? I havnt had a stock converter in my car in 6years... haha... I would make sure you have some swival sockets to get those transbolts 
Take r' easy
Take r' easy 
well i got 10 lifts at work but my boss is bullshitting and telling me it will take to long to do it there...way to **** my plans up huh?...thats why i'm doing it in my driveway...
Originally Posted by spy2520
well i got 10 lifts at work but my boss is bullshitting and telling me it will take to long to do it there...way to **** my plans up huh?...thats why i'm doing it in my driveway...
With a lift and air tools I could have the tranny out in about an hour.
Car needs to be high but if you don,t mind sliding it off the jack onto the floor and sliding it out from under the car your jackstands on the highest setting should be enough.
I use my regular floor jack to bring the tranny down, you just have to get the balance right, and a 12 x 12 piece of wood to distribute the weight.
yeah 10 lifts, , 3 of them drive-on, a bunch of air tools and ****, possibly the perfect place for the job, only thing we lack is a trans jack, but like i said, my boss doesnt think it will take an hour so...
Originally Posted by spy2520
yeah 10 lifts, , 3 of them drive-on, a bunch of air tools and ****, possibly the perfect place for the job, only thing we lack is a trans jack, but like i said, my boss doesnt think it will take an hour so...
So offer to come in at 2 AM if needed...
It's SO much easier with a lift and air tools, and you NEED a long extension for the top bolts. We use a 1/2 drive extension about 30 " long with a 3.8 driver and a swivel socket, works charms.
Trans CAN be pulled with one big, foolish dude to catch it, but harder to put it back in that way.
Originally Posted by Boodyrider
So offer to come in at 2 AM if needed...
i need to get some swivel sockets and an extension...
10 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Prairieville, Louisiana
I did my complete Engine, K-Member, and Tranny Swap over the last year.
I had the car up on (4)-12 Ton Jack Stands. I used (2)-4 Ton Long Bodied
Floor Jacks...That did the trick!
What all else have you had done to the Tranny?
Also, before you get too crazy with the install of the Converter Bolts you had
better check the Head Thickness as some of these are too thick and actually hit.
So, you might want to install ONE bolt and turn the converter to make sure it clears.
Also,....If you haven't already done so....
You might want to look into getting the Aluminum Accumilators and the "Trans-Go"
Shift Kit. Especially if you're planning to beat on it.
Almost forgot.........Tranny Cooler! Definitely Needed!!!
Good Luck with the Install
Last of All........
Make Damn Sure that the cars weight is equally loaded on ALL 4 Stands.
Don't want to read about a mishap.
I had the car up on (4)-12 Ton Jack Stands. I used (2)-4 Ton Long Bodied
Floor Jacks...That did the trick!
What all else have you had done to the Tranny?
Also, before you get too crazy with the install of the Converter Bolts you had
better check the Head Thickness as some of these are too thick and actually hit.
So, you might want to install ONE bolt and turn the converter to make sure it clears.
Also,....If you haven't already done so....
You might want to look into getting the Aluminum Accumilators and the "Trans-Go"
Shift Kit. Especially if you're planning to beat on it.
Almost forgot.........Tranny Cooler! Definitely Needed!!!
Good Luck with the Install
Last of All........
Make Damn Sure that the cars weight is equally loaded on ALL 4 Stands.
Don't want to read about a mishap.
Last edited by SLP 02 SS; Jul 25, 2006 at 03:58 PM.
ok here is an update, tonight i took the driveshaft out, drained the trans, disconnected shift cable, a few sensors, the torque arm (sorta), and removed the crossmember and trans mount.
also removed the starter and took out two of the torque converter bolts, you guys probably already know what i am about to say now...i think i pretty much rounded the third converter bolt. i'll run to the store tomorrow and get some of those "f'ed up bolt removers."
now how do i get the motor and trans to pivot down again? i guess i have to disconnect the exhaust, thats going to be a bitch...other than that everything is going fine, hopefully i can finish the rest tomorrow because its my day off, i only planned on getting a little done tonight since i didnt start anything until 10pm...
also removed the starter and took out two of the torque converter bolts, you guys probably already know what i am about to say now...i think i pretty much rounded the third converter bolt. i'll run to the store tomorrow and get some of those "f'ed up bolt removers."
now how do i get the motor and trans to pivot down again? i guess i have to disconnect the exhaust, thats going to be a bitch...other than that everything is going fine, hopefully i can finish the rest tomorrow because its my day off, i only planned on getting a little done tonight since i didnt start anything until 10pm...
Originally Posted by spy2520
now how do i get the motor and trans to pivot down again? i guess i have to disconnect the exhaust, thats going to be a bitch...other than that everything is going fine, hopefully i can finish the rest tomorrow because its my day off, i only planned on getting a little done tonight since i didnt start anything until 10pm...