Transmission disassembly

Since I lost a piece of hose down my transmission dipstick hole last fall (detailed here), I am now preparing for disassembly to remove it.

Eric, hopefully you will see this thread- I fully plan on calling you to get your input. I was having no problems with the tranny whatsoever- so Id prefer not to dig any deeper than necessary. However, it would only make sense to inspect what I can while its apart.



The plan is to tear into it later this week. I have the PCM manual which has step-by-step instructions on disassembly. I also have the seal and gasket kit and plenty of Valvoline Dexron/Mercon ATF (Im switching from the original 20w).

Are there any special tools or parts that I will be needing?

Any tips would be appreciated!

M3Fan wrote: Tim, did you use the old "bottle jack" trick to support the engine?

That I did. One manifold is supported with blocks, the other has the jack holding it up.

I did notice that I could wobble the driveshaft from the coupler end once the tranny was out (just a little). Not sure if thats normal or if I need a new strut bushing.

Tim, Since the strut bushing is rubber, I feel the movement you got at the coupling end is normal.

Tim- looks like you've got plenty of good quality support on this one. Last transmission I rebuilt was in a 1951 Ford F1 pick em up truck... all I can say is good luck.
-Brad

best thing to do TR is call me 330-273-8291
   Eric

Joel, Ill take as many pics as I can.

Eric, it was a pleasure speaking with you again- thanks for your time. Having only glanced at the manual once its a little hard to picture everything, but Im sure it will make a lot more sense once I get in there. I now have lots of things to look for- thanks again for all the tips!

The tranny is back in. Pending a water test, it appears the surgery was a success!

Upon opening up the case, we saw no signs of any problems- no pitting, grooves, cracks or extreme wear. Since the tranny wasnt giving me any problems and the hose that I lost down the dipstick was easy enough to find, we decided not to tear into it any more than necessary. I cleaned the magnet and the fluid pickup, replaced the O-rings on the pump cover, put on a new front cover gasket, and buttoned it back up. I still have to do a final check, but the alignment appears not to have changed- I bolted the couplers together and I can move the prop with one finger.

Many thanks to Eric for all his tips!

Pics:

Thanks Eric. Glad to hear your assessment.

I was tempted to tear all the way into it and replace the seals in the pumps, but I figured if it aint broke, dont fix it. I sure didnt get my $160 worth out of the PCM seal and gasket kit, but thats OK.

Ive got it filled up with Valvoline Dex/Merc, so it should be good to go after a few flushes. Now I can move on to other projects!

Tim,Time to start the Hi Tek project,got mine on,if looks count I gained 25 HP.Major weight savings tho.
I think I have completed all my projects,manifolds and asst. plumbing,Intercepter cover,new flooring w/carpet. All that leaves is the outside paint, will hire that out,me sand, You Paint.
Will post pics shortly on the new and improved version of the OLD GIRL....................boat dr

Glad to be back, seems like no one missed my absense.........

Doc glad to have you back... The jokes were definitely missed...

Hoping my manifold project will start next week... Before and after pics of course.

Doc,

I knew something was missing around here. Where have you been? I was getting worried you may have been gobbled up by one of those gators. figured you are busy this time of year and you would surface sooner or later.

Glad your back

TR, your not the only one.... tore apart a trans and found a medicine syringe in the bottem