What PM can be done while the transmission is removed?

[vipergrhd]

How i did it

Just to share what I did, I used shorty and halfmoon wrenches to break lose the bolt (top) once it's loose i removed the trans tube and work it towards the back of the block and down towards the rack i remove the bracket holding down the rack in order for me to pry the rack slightly out of the way to get the starter out and reverse the procedure to install it. How did you guys do it?

Just to put it in perspective book time on a 3.4L starter is less than an hour in and out. Now compared to Chevy Colorado with inline 5 book time is 5 hours.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Do I need to make a video to prove it? If ever another starter comes my way I just might.

Proof is not necessary, but if you could provide a photo or video it would be a huge help to the community! It's probably one of the most frustrating jobs out there (not hard, just frustrating) if you can't remove the starter from the engine bay. I'm not sure which bracket on the rack you are referring to.

 

[repo]

I did my starter contacts and it took me about 2 hours to get all done. Taking the tire off and putting on jack stands will take about 5 minutes. You need to properly set the contacts inside the solenoid and with that tight spot, it took more time than doing it with starter out.

OP, make sure to use OEM rear seal. NEVER use aftermarket seals for any part of the truck.

You could also replace the shift lever bushings with OEM parts. What about the transfer case F and R oil seals?

I think the transfer case seals can be done on the truck? I had one of them done at a shop a long time ago and it didn't take long, but it leaked so they had to do it again with an OEM seal. I use OEM for basically everything except end links. I don't even use those blue spark plug wires... OEM baby.