I am now replacing floor boards in my 1973. I need to get the cross member out of the way for access. But without the support the tranny won't stay in place. I might just remove it and replace it. There seems to be a leak in the rear bearing seal. How hard is it to remove? I have never done it before. I might put in a 700R4 if I pull this one off.

Can anyone go step by step or offer advice, comments or information?

Thanks for looking.

Phil

to pull the transmission, pull the dust shield off, remove the bolts connecting the converter to the flex plate, undo your transmission lines, remove driveshaft, speedometer cable, shift linkage, probably your transmission dipstick and tube. AFTER everything else is off or disconnected, remove the 6 bolts connecting the transmission to the back of the block. you really need a transmission jack for this although it can be done with just a floor jack and strong friends. WARNING if you don't have another yoke to put in the back of the transmission you will end up with tranny fluid everywhere! also if you have to remove the dipstick and tube and don't keep the tranny level you will have a mess. this is not something i recommend you do alone the first time. see if you can at least find a friend who has done it before to help. everybody has to start somewhere so best of luck. one final note, this sucker is heavy and awkward to hold onto. also there is sometimes casting flash at various places on the tranny housing and this stuff can be sharp as razor blades. be sure and grind, file, or debur it before you reinstall to make it easier to grab hold of. take care and have fun with your new accomplishment. good luck. no way i could replace floorpan but the mechanic part is easy for me.

Thanks for the info. Seems like I saw a yoke plug somewhere. I would have completely forgotten about that and made a big mess. I need to buy or rent a transmission jack.

Can you empty the tranny fluid prior to removal?

Thanks again for the run down. Gives me something to go with. Floor boards look easy (but I have never done it before). Just replace what isn't there. The hard part is getting under the floor board cross member. We'll see waht happens.

Thanks
Phil

Can you empty the tranny fluid prior to removal?

Absolutely, sure makes it lighter to work with and a lot less chance of fluid spillage! NAPA sells yoke plugs if you don't have one laying around.

what is a good place to buy a transmission jack. I have a 4 poster floor hoist so I will probably want a high riser (if that is the proper term).

Thanks for all the help guys. This site is great.

Any good auto parts chain stores such as Autozone or Pep Boys carry them as well as Summit, Northern and other catalog suppliers. I myself have always just used my floorjack and done the balancing act routine. Make sure you raise the car up high enough (supported on jackstands) to slide the trans out from under the car. Also keep in mind that even though you drain the trans fluid out of the trans, the torque converter will still have the fluid in it.

also there is sometimes casting flash at various places on the tranny housing and this stuff can be sharp as razor blades. be sure and grind, file, or debur it before you reinstall to make it easier to grab hold of
amen to that, i just sliced my finger open tonight handling my tranny, or you can just wear some yard work gloves, thats what i did after i got my cut

Don't forget to support the rear of the engine before you try to pull transmission.