DIY transmission jack

[jonorok]

Hey guys, last summer I needed to replace my clutch on my 99 runner. Reading all the write ups, I found people either buy a dedicated transmission jack, which was money I didn't want to spend, or they use the floor jack and 2x4 method. Everyone said that the 2x4 method worked, and they hated it and would never do it again. I did some brainstorming since I had to do this by myself, and had a different approach, halfway between these two ideas, and figured I found it really helpful, and perhaps I should share.

The transmission is cradled by the first cross member. I guessed that the center of gravity for the transmission was close to, if a little in front, of where the cross member attaches.

So, I supported the transmission on jack stands and some plywood, and removed the cross member.

I traced out three planes on the cross member that are important. The level plane, the plane that bolts on the driver's side, and the plane that bolts to the passenger side.

After this, I took a bunch of measurements and cut a frame of 2x4s to make a wooden support, identical to the cross member. I had a 10" plank forward from the frame to support the weight, along with a 1/2" bolt and a square of 1/2" ply to adjust the forward angle of the transmission.



All I did was set the cradle on the floor jack, support the transmission and level the cradle, and then ratchet strap the transmission, cradle, transfer case and all, to the floor jack.







Once the drive shafts are removed and all the sensors are disconnected (don't forget the shifters!), I ratchet strapped the transfer case to the rear cross member. Using only me, I could slowly work the ratchet strap to pull rearward, and slowly lower the transmission to clear the bell housing, till the input shaft cleared. After that, I just lowered the floor jack to the ground, and rolled the transmission to the back of the truck so I could get to work! I don't have any pics of it out, though. I was busy working.

Getting it back on was still tricky, but again, I was by myself... I highly recommend a set of helping hands.

That, and I'm really glad I have the tall suspension! I hope this is helpful for someone. And if you're in lakes region New Hampshire, I still have the cradle if you want to borrow it.

- And if you read this much just to tell me I have a rust problem, I know. I call it "Rusty Runner."

 

[UnderFire]

That's a pretty cool trick, we always leave the crossmember in place and remove the mount completely, that lets you slide the transmission back and rest it on the crossmember and place a stand under the back, gives you plenty of room to slide the new clutch in and button everything up without dropping the trans. We've used the same technique on R150's, W59's and W56's and it's worked perfectly every time.

 

[jonorok]

Sounds like a good quick solution. I'm glad I did the cradle so I had control, cause I'm pretty lightweight and all limbs, so me on my back holding up the transmission would be a bad deal.

Did you use that at a shop or do you just have a lot of toyotas through your driveway?

 

[TheDurk]

That's a pretty cool trick, we always leave the crossmember in place and remove the mount completely, that lets you slide the transmission back and rest it on the crossmember and place a stand under the back, gives you plenty of room to slide the new clutch in and button everything up without dropping the trans. We've used the same technique on R150's, W59's and W56's and it's worked perfectly every time.

I really like this idea. I wish I had seen this before I did mine last year. None of the write-ups I had did it that way, but it makes perfect sense.

OP, nice work. I just went and got a Harbor Freight trans jack. Did the job, and I'm sure it will have other uses. $90. Worth it to me.

450 lb. Low Lift Transmission Jack

 

[NHRunner]

That, and I'm really glad I have the tall suspension! I hope this is helpful for someone. And if you're in lakes region New Hampshire, I still have the cradle if you want to borrow it.

- And if you read this much just to tell me I have a rust problem, I know. I call it "Rusty Runner."

I think you and I are the only ones in the area! I'm in ND. I'll be home for the summer. If you want to get together to run some trails this summer, let me know.

I'll have to PM you this summer if I decide to do my clutch. I assume this cradle would work for the 5vz trans too. Looks like a handy rig.

 

[oneal48]

Very creative sir! On my auto with the flat belly pan I just welded a piece of fence post to a flat plate of medal. Slid the fence post into the jack and there Ya go. Worked perfect. It balanced on its own.

 

[krenaud33]

OP, nice work. I just went and got a Harbor Freight trans jack. Did the job, and I'm sure it will have other uses. $90. Worth it to me.

450 lb. Low Lift Transmission Jack

I have that one and have used it a few times. The sides are kind of flimsy though.

Good to see the original poster thinking outside the box.

 

[jonorok]

I think you and I are the only ones in the area! I'm in ND. I'll be home for the summer. If you want to get together to run some trails this summer, let me know.

I'll have to PM you this summer if I decide to do my clutch. I assume this cradle would work for the 5vz trans too. Looks like a handy rig.

It should be the same, but if not, It would be quick enough to build another one for the 5vz. The 3rz mates to the W59.

I work at a camp and conference center, so I typically work weekends, but I'd love to hit some trails sometime. Just let me know if you want an extra pair of hands to wrench, and I'll see what days I have off.