Scope of work to replace tranny? Any tips?

[inquisitive]

I need to replace the m5OD tranny in my 91 XLT 4x4.

My slave cylinder is leaking- draining the transmission fluid revealed brake fluid contamination and... chunks of metal. I had plenty of metal flakes as well as some pieces of what looks to be a ball-bearing cage. The clutch was just recently done by the previous owner, so I have a sneaking suspicion that he saw some of these chunks of metal and decided to sell it to me without a mention of them.

From looking at the manual it looks like I need to unbolt and remove the shift lever, then the front and rear driveshafts, the crossmember, the transfer case, and then the tranny. Anyhow, I have a few questions that hopefully you all can help answer.

Any tips on the best/quickest way to get the tranny out and back in? All of my previous mechanical experience comes from aircooled VWs, so the Fords are a new kind of beast to me. How long should I expect the swap to take with this being my 1st time doing it?

How necessary is it to have a transmission jack or adapter? I have an ATV lift that I use for installing VW engines and transaxles- would something like this work very well?

How much do these transmissions weigh?

I've found a tranny for $400 including shipping- assuming this one has no bits of metal in it, how long a life should I expect from a used tranny?

 

[inquisitive]

So no one here has ever replaced a transmission on their explorer?

 

[IZwack]

Plenty of users have replaced the transmission.

I'm sure that ATV lift will work just fine. As for the weight, its something around 150 lbs -- maybe a tid bit less.

 

[kabukie]

The tranny isnt lite. I didnt have a tranny jack and used my regular jack and it was extremely awkward. After removing the tranny and almost dropping it oof the jack I said screw it and "benched" the tranny from there on out. I would say it weighs anywhere from 100 - 150 lbs

First time it took me about 3hrs to remove the tranny. 3 removal/installs later I can do it in about 1.5hrs. Hardest part is the top 2 bolts on the bellhousing and the clutch line.

Goodluck. Check out the write ups on here they are rather helpful.

 

[Tbars4]

...and remember, the search button is our friend...

...Here is some quick info to get you started..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190681&highlight=m50d

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

I think manuals last longer than automatics. As long as the fluid in the transmission was routinely flushed, a manual could last forever (minus the clutch, of course).

 

[inquisitive]

Thanks everyone for the info. I just found the "search" button that isn't the google search on the top of the page, so that should help a bit with finding some of the previous write ups.

Sounds like the exhaust Y tube is a real pain if you don't remove it- Just not sure exactly how rusted together the bolts will be on mine. I know the engine was out about 40,000 miles ago, so I hope the bolts will still be in good shape.

 

[IZwack]

The bolts that attaches the rest of the exhaust to the manifolds are a royal PITA -- half o them will come out and half wont. So I typically just take the reciprocating saw to the ones that wont come out (making sure to leave as much bolt as possible sticking out) and then weld a large nut to whats left over and remove with a socket.