I have 2003 Dakota 4x4 Automatic, I think it's 42RE but not sure, 3.9 V6 Standard Cab .... I need to replace the transmission... not sure of the best way to remove the top bell housing bolts... as it sits before doing anything I cannot get to them... Should I lower the trans to access under the truck? Or should I raise trans and access from top under hood? Any help would be very much appreciated!

 

Since you are pulling the trans, I would drain the trans, drop the rear, and get the bolts from underneath.

 

I used a 24" extension, a center wobbly, a 12" extension, and an air ratchet.

 

Thanks you guys! So it is def doable from underneath? Thanks so much!

 

Well everything went together great but now it's making a taping and growling noise and when I try to drive the motor seems to labor a bit and growls! Any suggestions? It's a used trans from salvage yard! Thanks!

 

tapping would be converter bolts. Growling sounds like you got a POS used transmission.