I searched quite a bit and can't find an answer to this one...

On my 2004 Ram 1500 4x4 5.7L, I need to move the trans back a couple inches so I can remove the crankshaft. I know, I should pull the engine out but I have this same problem either way...

The starter, mount brackets and 6 bolts that go from the trans into the block are removed, the rear driveshaft is removed, the transmission mounts are unbolted, and the flywheel is unbolted from the torque converter but I still can't get the transmission to move back at all. Is there a trick to getting the engine and transmission separated?

 

Sorry can't help but subscribed.


Good luck.
Al.

 

Did you remove the front suspension cross member to get to the brace that allows them to separate?

 

Wiggle ALOT.

 

Yeah, I actually removed the crossmember along with lowering the front axle so I could remove the oil pan. Next step I think is to scrap the idea of removing the crankshaft in the truck and just pull the engine. I have two exhaust manifold bolts that are broken anyway so it may be my best bet.

Re: Wiggle ALOT, if I have to get the engine on the hoist, that's the way it's gonna go!!

 

Make sure you haven't got one hidden bellhousing bolt, that got me once.
On my hemi when I pulled the motor it was tough to pull the motor apart from the tranny, I eventually used a hammer and chisel to separate the two.

 

I'm thinking the hammer and chisel may be the way to go on this one. I have the engine on the picker and am shaking it like mad and can't get them apart.

On another note, does anybody know which size tool to use to remove the fuel line from the fuel rail? I've already tried all of the ones in the kit I borrowed, and it doesn't want to pop off.

 

I had an idea last night and wanted to see what you guys think... I'm thinking that I'll put the bottom bolts back in most of the way and try to whack them with a hammer to split the engine and trans. I can't remember if there's even room to swing a hammer at this point, but if so, it may jar them apart.

What do you think?

 

I wouldn't hit the trans with a solid hammer. You'll break or crack the housing. Use a rubber mallet or if you use a hammer, have it be a 3-5lb sledge and tap it. Dont hit it hard at all!!!! I've always got underneath the tranny and wiggled it up/down and side-side to split them.

I hear front crossmember yada yada, but have you remove the transmission crossmember/support frame? That needs to be removed so the transmission can basically be dropped out of the truck. There is a bolt on the transmission that sticks through the crossmember that would not allow you to slide it back.
Either the transmission needs to be dropped or the rengine neeeds to be pulled, you cannot seperate them while they are both in the truck. I have installed and removed hundreds of engine/trans combos and always had to remove one or the other to plit them. The input shaft goes into the crankshaft about 1".
If your goal is to seperate them 1", then it can be done. I would unbolt the crosssmember for the trans and support it with a jack and piece of wood. You will be able to pull back on the trans giving you enough clearance to get the job done.
I would still think you need to jack up the engine by the dampener pulley to angle the engine back enough to allow this. Also another reason, unbolting the crossmember is needed or you'll bend the input shaft on the trans. Remember, it goes through the torque converter that is bolted to the flywheel and then into the crankshaft.

 

I'm not planning on hitting the transmission or engine... Just the bolts I'm going to put back in.

My helper told me he got all of the bolts to remove the trans from the crossmember and I was able to move the trans up and down, just not front to back so if there is another bolt, it's a sneaky bugger.... I'll look for it tomorrow when I'm back under the truck.

The immediate goal is to get the crankshaft out so that I can have it machined. Whether that means the engine or trans or both need to come out, I'm prepared to do whatever it takes. If the engine and trans would have come apart yesterday, I'd already have the engine on the stand and the crank at the machine shop. Once the crank is at the shop, I plan to take the engine out and replace a couple of exhaust manifold bolts that are broken as well as the oil pump and rear main seal... Neither are jobs I want to have to do any time soon.