5r55e removal HELP

[justinf89]

Im working on pulling the 5r55e now, but I need to know if the catalytic converter needs to come off? It goes right under the bell housing but the bolts on either end of it look like they are welded on. Please advise!

I'd rather not take it off if I don't have to. Could I take off the transfer case instead that way it gives me more room to get past the exhaust?

Please help, I'm doing this now.

 

[zeedoc]

I have removed the 5R55E on a 98 explorer recently. I had to take off the transfer case, but didn't have to take off the cataylitic converter

 

[drdoom]

They say it can be done. Myself I seem to recall disconnecting the pipe at the left manifold and at the flange connection where the football shaped gaset goes.

 

[justinf89]

So 1:1 so far haha. I'll take off the transfer case and see If I can get around it. Got rained out today so I'll be back on it tomorrow.

 

[drdoom]

Yes that should be one of the first things pull is the t case. You will probably need to do some extra jacking on the engine.

 

[daisyrocky]

Lubricate both side with PB Blaster and let it sit for a day or so. The left side pipe have to come out, the 95 and 96 tranny can be removed with pipe in place because it had a little more room but the 97 and up that pipe had to be cut or removed. Took me hours on my back to removed that pipe.

 

[joeschwartz5150]

Just pulled my 5r55e yesterday and yes I had to remove the cat and pipe. Unfortunately 1 of the bolts was seized and I had to remove the drivers side manifold and pipes all in one piece. I disconneceted the EGR valve assembly, the manifold and left the flange to cat pipe intact and removed the right side at the flange to the catback. Make sure you disconnect the two oxygen sensors as well.