Leaking transmission vacuum modulator?

[hiwaycruzer]

Greetings to all of you members from the Tennessee border town of Rossville, GA.
I'm new to this forum, and this is my first post.
I recently bought a '94 Explorer 4X4 with automatic trans. I'm getting transmission oil in the vacuum lines to the intake manif. They're soft, swollen, and have to be wire-tied to stay attached to the vacuum 'tree'. I understand the vacuum modulator may need to be replaced. From what I've found on the internet, there appears to be two ways to tackle this:
1. Drop the exhaust to gain access to the modulator from underneath.
2. Remove the front passenger seat and carpet to access the modulator from above, through a removable access panel on the transmission tunnel.
Since I'll be doing this without the benefit of a hoist, I'd like to replace it from above if indeed there is a removeable cover under the carpet.
The only photos or drawings I can find regarding replacement of the modulator are shown on a transmission that's already been removed. I can't locate a step-by-step procedure showing the replacement of the vacuum modulator on a transmission that's still in the truck.
Have any of you guys performed this job? Can anyone offer some advice on how to proceed?
Thanks in advance for any help provided.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The modulator is only held by one bolt with a retainer. Don't lose the pin when you remove it. The modulator has a heat shield which will have to be removed. They make an adjustable, and non adjustable version.

 

[hiwaycruzer]

Leaking transmission vacuum modulator

Thanks for the response, BrooklynBay, and for pointing out that the modulator comes in two flavors; adjustable and non-adjustable.
Would you happen to have any advice concerning the rest of my post?
Do you know how to adjust the vacuum modulator?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could adjust it with a handheld vacuum pump. Put the pin inside of it, and apply vacuum. The pin should bottom out in proportion to the amount of vacuum which is being applied. You might be better off adjusting it while it's already installed. Turn it a little in one direction, and drive. If it feels a little off, then turn it a little more, and drive again. Check this thread for a picture of the modulator from the inside of the vehicle: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214403

 

[hiwaycruzer]

leaking transmission vacuum modulator

Hello BrooklynBay,
Thanks for the link to the photos. I think getting at the vacuum modulator through the top is the way to go. Guess I'll find out if the modulator is adjustable once it's out.
Thanks ever so much for the help!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Most original modulators are non adjustable unless it was already replaced.

 

[hiwaycruzer]

Are all replacement modulators adjustable?

 

[BrooklynBay]

No, they make adjustable, and non adjustable models. There is even one made for the turbo equipped vehicles.