How to remove tq.c. plate on 98 Ranger?

[bob lawrence]

My son's Ranger (2.5, 4 Cyl.) has a 4R55E. How do you remove the tq converter access plate to get to the tq. conv. mounting bolts? Chilton's says to remove the plate from the bottom of the oil pan. Looks like the plate is secured by about six or eight bolts between the bell housing and engine. I tried loosening all the bell housing bolts around the oil pan, but the plate doesn't budge at all. Could somebody explain if I'm missing something here?

Thanks.

 

[bob lawrence]

duh...i figured it out. you access the tq conv bolts through the starter hole. I wonder why Chilton's instructions said to remove a plate when there isn't one? ???? Anyway...sorry about the dumb post.

 

[RangerX]

Did you get the project finished? What was the project anyways? New trans?

 

[bob lawrence]

Well, I'm still working on it. Got the old tranny out and put the replacement in (used w/35000 mi). I've been posting at Transmissions and Transfer Cases Forum http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152562&highlight=98+ranger , and getting lots of good advice. If you go to it, you'll see what I've been up to. My problem is that reverse gear seems to want to work, but then quits. It'll engage for a just a little bit, but then stops working. I suspect it may be weather related, i.e., we just had a cold snap move through and i think the cold air makes the transmission fluid thicker, so it engages. Then, as the truck warms up, I begin to lose reverse again. Does this make sense? I had absolutely no reverse when we had warmer weather.