? about first DIY transmission install

spectac

oldbie
Joined
Nov 5, 2010
Location
Goldsboro
My transmission is messed up and I am planning to replace it with another. The replacement is the same kind from a donor vehicle of the same year. Do I just bolt it in, or do I need to have a dealer reset the computers and such? Anything I should plan for or be on the lookout for?
It's an '05 Jeep TJ 42rle auto trans behind a 4.0 inline 6
 
Just bolt it in.. make sure the torque converter is fully engaged before tightening bellhousing bolts. Look out for metal or clutch fibers in the donor transmission fluid. And watch out for sharp edges, busted knuckles, and transmission falling onto you. Transmission jack or a few wisely used ratchet straps can do the job.
 
Get an 18 or 24" socket extension to reach the upper bellhousing bolts and add more smaller extensions below if needed for more reach. I use a U-joint behind the socket and wrap some duct tape around it to hold the u-joint semi straight or bend it to mesh w the bolt head and to fish the bolts back into the holes.
 
You can also use tape to hold the bolt in the socket when reinstalling if you cant get your hand up in there. Also you can make alignment studs to thread in the bellhousing so you can just slide the new trans up in there without fighting it too much.
 
Also make sure the torque converter is full of tranny fluid when you engage it. Helps with fluid filling and keeps it from running dry.
 
Use a transmission jack. Makes the job WAY easier.
 
You will also need an inverted torx for the top 2 bolts....
 
drkelly said:
Use a transmission jack. Makes the job WAY easier.
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This. There were some wild setups that DaVinci may have considered when I dropped and installed a transmission. (Engine hoist through passenger window window with a strap through the transmission tunnel hole and a floor jack) Went out and bought a real transmission jack after that.
 
snappy said:
You will also need an inverted torx for the top 2 bolts....
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Definitely this. And the first time you take them out they are a huge pain.
 
24" ext., unv swivel and e14( i think thats the right size someone correct me if i am wrong) will make the top two doable....
 
Sounds like I'd be replacing those top two bolts with a normal hex head.
 
Croatan_Kid said:
Sounds like I'd be replacing those top two bolts with a normal hex head.
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I hate to admit it but the e12 works really well for reinstalling it. An Allen would work also but would round off easier.
 
oleblue said:
(Engine hoist through passenger window window with a strap through the transmission tunnel hole and a floor jack).
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Roll down the windows and set a 2x4 on the window sills. Ratchet strap over the 2x4 to the trans. Ratchet straps as a sling between the frame rails. Use 4, 2 on each end of the trans.
 
sgtbriangreen said:
Roll down the windows and set a 2x4 on the window sills. Ratchet strap over the 2x4 to the trans. Ratchet straps as a sling between the frame rails. Use 4, 2 on each end of the trans.
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Did that w my Toyota w push button tie downs strapped to the frame/body perches to aid/re-position the floor jack and for safety. Worked well to line up the thing when I shoved it back in too.
 
I ran straps across either side of the frame to make a "sling", as you tighten then it gets shorter and raises it up.
That said, teh 2x4 across windows and strapping downward sounds easier.
 
When i put the trans in my toyota, my plan is to put a bar across the top of the cage with a snatch block hanging from it. Use the winch on another vehicle to lift the trans/transfer case combo.
 
Putting in a transmission is pretty high on the no fun project list.

Good luck. Take your time. Maybe do some pushups a week or two. Youll be bench pressing a transmission at some point..
 
Harbor freight transmission jack and replace the gay inverted torx bits with a 12mm bolt. Trans swaps are easy with a Trans jack and living hell with out one
 
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