I'm replacing the trans in my 96 1500 4x4.

Questions:

1. Should I pull the transfer case off before I drop it?
2. Does the exhaust "HAVE" to come off?
3. I need to flush the lines and coolers. Any insight on the best procedure. I think I have seem spray cans at the store for this purpose. Anyone try these?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go.
Thanks in advance.

 

you should pull the transfer case off unless you're superman and can man handle it like a cop handles a 100lb resistant crackhead.

as far as i know you can work the transmission around the y pipe attached to the manifolds.

don't know about the flush.

 

always flush the cooler. The aerosol stuff works ok.

 

When I dropped my trans out (3 times) I always just unhooked the exhaust manifold flange bolts to drop the front down and then disconnected the rubber grommets near the muffler to allow it hang down a little more.

 

Pull the exhaust, pull the transfer case seperatly, and blow your lines out with brake cleaner then compressed air @ about 60 psi. Take the extra time to remove these obstacles or you will waste more time dickin around with it. Might as well clean everything real good with a power washer too. Consider a new radiator, not too expensive, and delete that damn check valve in the trans cooling line.

Also consider new u-joints for your drive shafts and re-balance them while there off. Make sure you unbolt the torque converter off the flexplate before you pull the trans. Dont short-cut anything, take your time and pay attention to little details. Just my 3 cents.

 

I hit it again this weekend.
The exhaust leaks a bit at the manifold so I'll see if I can get them loose.
I do see a marginal u-joint, so I will take care of that.
Bolts on the flexplate were next on the list before I stopped the other night.
I'm not superman, so I will drop the transfer case.

I think I'm gonna sell this when I'm done. My brother wants it but took it for 6 months without paying. Chrysler is running double cash for clunkers program. I could get $9000. toward a new car. That gets my attention. However I'm in the Detroit area and the economy here sucks. I don't want to spend any money.
Thanks
I'll be back

 

Curious to know how you are doing with your tranny swap. Im debating doing it myself and saving the labor $$ for a programmer.

 

bawb. Do it!

Actually The truck is an unused vehicle for me. It's in the garage with the trans pretty much ready to drop out. I'm down to the upper bell housing bolts and the crossmember. I have been working by myself and have had a real hard time staying motivated. It's been pretty hot and humid, and I have no rush to get it done. My wife is starting to complain that I have her garage tied up.

The cash for clunkers program was looking pretty sweet. Tow it in, sell the trans and get $4500 off. But the company I'm working for isn't doing well and I have been taking rolling layoffs. So no new car.

Nothing has been difficult yet. Pretty straight forward. If you can turn a wrench, go for it.

Good luck, let me know how your doing.

Rick

 

Her Garage? Grow a pair.

 

Nice to see someone else from Michigan on here good luck with the project