R&R Transmission help

[BettyBlue4runner]

Anyone have experience removing and re-installing an automatic transmission? I Was going to have a shop rebuild my transmission but I found a low millage used replacement for only $350 so I need some tips on how to remove the old transmission. I also got a rebuilt torque converter to go along with it.

The only problems I see myself running into is removing the upper two bolts on the bell housing to the engine. Anyone wanna share the best way to go about removing these two bolts? I was thinking if I remove the shifter, I can somehow stick a long extension through and get it off that way. I figured its prob best to get some insight before I start taking everything apart.

 

[Bad_Vision]

a swivel joint for your socket and a long extender will make the top bolts better to get at. the hole thing can be done in a driveway in about 2 hours its really not that hard to do assuming none of your bolts break or tranny lines break it should be a fairly simple task. you can do It!!!
if the truck is lifted it will be easier, if you can lift the hole front end or put it on drive up ramps to give you more room it will be easy.
just remember to drain the fluid all out so you dont make a mess when tipping the transmission.

Have jacks ready and be out of the way when you bring the transmission down.

I had to swap trannys on the trail once in Canada.
A guy on the trail with me had a spare at his house and he was nice enough to bring it to me and hang around while i changed it on the dirt trail.

 

[Bad_Vision]

i forgot to mention if you need to get at the top bolts a little better you could just put a jack under the transmission and disconnect the cross member and lower the jack a little to kind point the engine down from the back it might help if you cant get at it with the swivel, don't go too far it will reek havoc on your engine mounts

 

[BettyBlue4runner]

a swivel joint for your socket and a long extender will make the top bolts better to get at. the hole thing can be done in a driveway in about 2 hours its really not that hard to do assuming none of your bolts break or tranny lines break it should be a fairly simple task. you can do It!!!
if the truck is lifted it will be easier, if you can lift the hole front end or put it on drive up ramps to give you more room it will be easy.
just remember to drain the fluid all out so you dont make a mess when tipping the transmission.

Have jacks ready and be out of the way when you bring the transmission down.

I had to swap trannys on the trail once in Canada.
A guy on the trail with me had a spare at his house and he was nice enough to bring it to me and hang around while i changed it on the dirt trail.

Wow you did it on a trail! Awesome story! I feel a lot more confident after reading that =D. I'm gonna tackle this thing starting tomorrow. Thanks Bad_Vision, I'll see about taking pics as I go along and maybe post on here.

 

[Bad_Vision]

please do, make it a write up style so we can add it for others. Entitled "NOOB transmission swap"
yup basic tools on the trail, so its not hard if you have a garage.

 

[BettyBlue4runner]

Is the torque converter bolted to the flex plate? I can see bolt holes on my new torque converter... if so, is it hard to remove?

 

[cometobanks]

Remove your motor mount bolts then drop the cross member and you will have easy access to the top bolts. On a 22re the t converter bolts are accesed through a hole in the transmission plate and through the starter hole. And it is TIGHT LIKE A TIGER. The transmission will come off the t converter with out removing the bolts. Gives you a little more room to play with the torque converter.

 

[fourwd1]

Is the torque converter bolted to the flex plate? I can see bolt holes on my new torque converter... if so, is it hard to remove?

Yes it does. You will need a good 18" or so pry bar to turn the flex plate to get to the bolts.