I need to replace the trans on my brothers 97 caravan. Is there any thing that I should be careful of or any special tools that I will need? Any information will be helpful.
Thanks

 

TRANSAXLE

Transaxle removal does NOT require engine removal.

See Group 7, Cooling to drain engine cooling system and remove coolant return extension (3.0 liter engine only)

The transaxle and torque converter must be removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque converter drive plate, pump bushing or oil seal may be damaged. The drive plate will not support a load; therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should be allowed to rest on the drive plate during removal.

REMOVAL
1.Disconnect negative battery cable.
2.Remove air cleaner duct. Disconnect transaxle shift linkage at manual valve lever
Shift Linkage At Manual Valve Lever
3.Squeeze grommet clips and remove cable at transaxle bracket
Grommet Clips
Remove Cable From Bracket
4.Remove 16 - way engine harness connector from dipstick tube bracket. Remove dipstick tube bracket nut at cylinder head. Remove dipstick tube.
5.Remove transaxle cooler lines.
6.Remove connector at transaxle solenoid pack.
7.Remove input and output speed sensor wiring connectors
Input (Turbine) Speed Sensor
Output Speed Sensor
8.Disconnect electrical connector at transmission range sensor.
9.Remove upper bellhousing upper bolts.
10.Remove heater tube mounting bolt.
11.Remove vehicle speed sensor wiring at sensor.
12.Remove one rear engine mount bolt from top.
13.Remove rear engine mount shield screw.
14.Install engine support fixture and support engine
Engine Support Fixture
15.Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Refer toSuspension to remove wheel hub nuts and both drive shafts.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be disconnected from the exhaust manifold anytime the engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.

16.Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
17.Remove torque converter dust shield to gain access to torque converter bolts
Remove Torque Converter Dust Shield
18.Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to torque converter bolts Remove torque converter mounting bolts
Rotate Engine
19.Remove front engine mount insulator and bracket
Remove Front Engine Mount
20.Remove rear engine mount shield.
21.Remove rear engine mount bracket bolts and bracket.
22.Remove starter bolts and set starter aside. Do not allow the starter to hang from battery cable
Starter Assembly
23.Position transmission jack securely under transaxle
Position Transmission Jack
24.Remove left fender splash shield.
25.With transmission jack in position, remove the left transmission mount.
26.Lower transaxle to access the crankshaft position sensor, remove crankshaft position sensor from bell housing. For installation procedure refer to section 8D of this MDS2.
CAUTION: Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the bell housing before transmission removal or installation.

27.Remove lower bellhousing bolts.
28.Carefully lower the transaxle assembly from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1.For installation of transaxle, reverse the above procedure.
2.Check and/or adjust gearshift cable.
3.Refill transaxle with MOPARŽ ATF PLUS 3 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176.

 

will it cause a problem if both axles are removed from the trans

 

The only problem you will have is fluid leaking.