Tips For Dropping the Trans 2nd Gen...

[Sedition]

Hello there fellow Explorer Forumers... I need to drop my Trans to change the rear Jack-shaft plug as it has started leaking engine oil profusely out of the bell housing gap. I got oil spots all over the back of my truck so I can no longer keep putting this off.

I'm just after some tips for lowering the transmission before I go ahead with this repair. Eg:
1)Should I remove the transfer case?
2)Should I invest in a transmission jack?
3)Are there any hidden electrical plugs to disconnect?
4)How much of the exhaust should I remove?
5)What's the best way to reach that damned starter motor top bolt again?
6)ect...

~Any advice no matter how insignificant you think it might be will be very much appreciated.

~Also, I only have grass to work on at the moment too, so take that into account. I sure do miss my double garage.

Back Story: About 3 years ago I rebuilt my SOHC engine due to hydro-locking the motor and bending a connecting rod. So I definitely know it's the Jack-shaft plug that's leaking as I reused the original one with RTV sealant when I did the rebuild. I wasn't given a new one in my gasket or timing chain kits, was eager to get my truck back on the road and didn't want to wait for another week or so just for a 2 dollar plug to be shipped over to Australia.:australia

The sealant did hold up well for a couple of years though.

Thankyou, Sedition...

 

[drdoom]

I did one in the dirt before, trans jack might not help much. Pull transfer case, exhaust on left side, cross member, I recommend pulling the wheels and fender liner also on the right side. The freaking harness connectors are hard to reach, up around the heads IIRC. Speed sensors are on top, and I believe the O2s plug into the harness as well. Having that liner out on the right really offers some advantages, as a couple of the mounting bolts are right there.
The starter a starter wrench is good or long extensions also. In lieu of a starter wrench, I have locked two combo wrenches together. Also to avoid heartbreak during reinstall, be sure to put that lower transfer case bolt in place in the extension housing before you put the cross member back in. Also my friend I cannot say what is left or right on your truck, so my apologies if it's reversed.

 

[rb142]

Wow, having to do that job on grass scares me. You need some height to get that transmission down and grass is not a solid footing for jack stands. Please be careful. Maybe you can borrow someone's parking lot or something.

For removing the top starter bolt, what worked best for me was to use a ratchet with just enough extension to clear the motor body, so that the ratchet could swing right behind the motor. I recall needing a little angle. A wobble extension or a flex socket would help here. The common advise to use a couple feet of extensions from in front of the cross member didn't work for me.

I would definitely get or rent a transmission jack if you can (especially if we are talking about an automatic here). Don't try to balance it on a regular floor jack. I have never seen that work. The trans always falls off and is a terrible bear. There is a lot of weight there. Don't make the job any harder than it needs to be.

I don't know if I have the same exhaust configuration as you. I my case, the easiest thing is to disconnect the manifold connections and drop the whole Y pipe out of the way.

 

[Flash]

Get a couple of sheets of 8'x4' form ply to put on the ground, you won't regret it.
I use 2 sheets of portable floor ply 3/4 inch thick.

 

[Sedition]

Get a couple of sheets of 8'x4' form ply to put on the ground, you won't regret it.
I use 2 sheets of portable floor ply 3/4 inch thick.

Oh yeah, that stuff with the yellow tongue on one edge. That's pretty tough and cheap too.

 

[Sedition]

I'm going to use a transmission jack adapter plate for my 2.5T trolley jack. $80 at Gasweld. I'm a bigger guy but I certainly don't want to wrangle the 5r55e.

Does anyone know where I can get the actual plug from? RockAuto.com and Usallparts.com dont have them. No one on Ebay has them. All the auto parts stores in town ask me "what's a jackshaft?"

 

[Flash]

I'm going to use a transmission jack adapter plate for my 2.5T trolley jack. $80 at Gasweld. I'm a bigger guy but I certainly don't want to wrangle the 5r55e.

Does anyone know where I can get the actual plug from? RockAuto.com and Usallparts.com dont have them. No one on Ebay has them. All the auto parts stores in town ask me "what's a jackshaft?"

Maybe you'll have to get the right size welsh plug.

 

[rb142]

As far as I know, you can only get the jackshaft plug from a dealer. You'll have to order it no doubt.

 

[Sedition]

So far I have everything except the plug its self. I have tried everywhere. Ford dealers in Australia say they no longer stock this $45 part and I have to go 'aftermarket' (auto parts stores) All autoparts stores despite their best efforts are unable to located this part for me and I still can't find one online that will post to Australia.

Am I destined to leak oil for all eternity?

I wonder if that 1ATony guy can help me out?