Removing tranny..need some tips

[ford96explorer]

Im thinking to change my flexplate on my 1996 ford explorer myself..but I was wondering if someone could tell me what Id need to remove in order to remove the tranny?

Would the exhaust need to be taken off?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The catalytic converter should be removed. You have to disconnect the cooler lines, torque converter nuts, bell housing bolts, driveshaft, transmission mount with the lower rear cross member, and the transfer case if you have 4WD. The electrical connectors should be unplugged.

 

[ford96explorer]

The catalytic converter should be removed. You have to disconnect the cooler lines, torque converter nuts, bell housing bolts, driveshaft, transmission mount with the lower rear cross member, and the transfer case if you have 4WD. The electrical connectors should be unplugged.

can you tell me how many bolts are in the bell housing which is connected with the motor?
Thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Take a look at the comparison between the bell housings: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146953

 

[ford96explorer]

Take a look at the comparison between the bell housings: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146953

sorry i hope i am not disturbing alot..lol want to ask few things which i am confused.
(1) when i removed the starter i saw the flywheel i think you call that flex plate am i right?and it was in his place just the problem when i turn pushing by my finger it was turning freely but there was no play in the flywheel.do you think its broken?i am asking because i have seen few pictures of broken flywheel and they looked really bad i hope its not somthing else which is not making to turn the engine.
(2) before to open the trany i like to know is there any bolts on the top of the bellhousing which connect to the motor if there is ..is there anyway to unbolt those bolts?

(3) to remove the trany can i remove the trany first then the bellhousing?can you tell me what is the easy to remove.
(4) how should i take compression between the bell housing?do you have diy for that?do you think if the comparison is not good thats why my car is having problem.

 

[BrooklynBay]

As you could see in the picture, there are 2 bolts on the top which are a little hard to get to. You could use extensions with universal socket. They have a universal joint built onto the back of the socket. The transmission has to be removed as one piece, then you could start to take it apart once it's out.

 

[Cobraguy]

Wait...to replace a flex plate, you do not have to remove the trans! Here's how the techs at the shops do it to beat flat rate. They simply remove enough to slide the trans back a few inches and replace the flex plate by using a breaker bar and shallow socket. You can literally change a flex plate on a 4WD in a couple of hours that way. A good idea to assist you is to install a couple of very long bolts in the bell housing to block mounting holes. This will help keep things lined up for you. Also you may have to remove the cross member and allow the trans and transfer case to lower some to give you clearance. The converter is unbolted and stays with the trans. If you don't move anything, it will fall right back into the mounting holes on the new flex plate.

 

[ford96explorer]

thx alot guys for information my car is fixed now so i will bother you guys again ...lol for the shockers and other little stuff and in summer for the timing chain cuz my car have 320km do you guys think that the car will be driveable till next summer?

cobraguy thx for the excelent idea

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update!

 

[ford96explorer]

thx brooklynbay