where's that rant page?

[surubet]

Initially I laughed at the idea of a rant page, but re-installing this C6 trans after rebuilding it ... well that probably deserves a rant.

I really never should install transmissions, I have never had one just fall right into place in 35 years, and this one is no different. I have jacked the motor up, then down, raised the trans, then lowered ... jiggled and wiggled, installed alignment studs and jacked, lowered, performed more daring feats of jiggling, wiggling, changed the angle on the tranny jack so many times it knows what is coming next. Haven't broken down and started cussing yet so there is still hope.

Actually I know how to get it back in there ... just invite someone else to give it a try and it will be there in less than 5 minutes.

But hey, the sun is shining and the concrete pad is cool, so it really isn't too bad a day to be laying under a truck ...

Later,
Steve

[FORDification]

Don't know if you've already got this covered, but make sure the torque converter is completely seated...it usually takes three clicks.

[surubet]

Oh yeah, about 15 or 20 minutes after ranting the trans fell right into place ... once there was an audience ...

More than likely the problem was getting the side to side lean out of the transmission jack (rotational positioning of the transmission) ... which rocking couldn't take care of while sitting on the jack.

Still, score another for transmissions. My personal worse was years ago (about 35) and took 5 days (too small a pilot bushing and a manual truck trans). This one only took around 4 or 5 hours ... so I am improving!

Now, only two more transmissions to remove, rebuild, and reinstall. Next time I am buying a manual transmission equipped vehicle.

Later,
Steve

[72hiboy4x4]

Hey I know someone that needs a tranny rebuilt......and he's close to you.......

[surubet]

72hiboy4x4 ... I only rebuild because I can't afford transmission shops (last one (1989) cost me $1200 after they quoted $950).

Got to say though, this C6 was a breeze. I put a high end (Alto red) rebuild kit in it with all the plates, all new bushings, Alto band, and a shift kit in the valve body for about the price of a wrecking yard tranny. And special tools weren't necessary!

If only I could learn to install them in less time ... it's a physics thing that seems to elude me often.

There is a guy on craigslist that is offering quality rebuilds for reasonable prices. I just couldn't afford $500 for this trans or $850 for the next one on the list. He is located in Longview and claims a 3 day turn around.

[72hiboy4x4]

Well he's real close to me then! too bad my friend is in hillsboro!
thanks tho!

[rjewkes]

Any suggestions on how to get one out and another back in safely? I'[ll be doing a tranny swap here in a couple of weeks unless something simple is wrong with the sport custom.

[trukcrazy]

Hey Steve, you and I use the same technics to work on vehicles. If a little ranting doesn't do it then let someone else touch it and just like magic, it's done. Good job on finding the rant page, too.

Hey Robert, did you get that truck?

[surubet]

I have a few tips for you Robert ... get that truck up on the highest setting on your jackstands possible. I stopped a little shy and had to tip the trans on the tranny jack to clear the frame rails which was a bit of a pain.

Use (rent) a hydraulic transmission jack. Not only do they raise and lower, but they adjust for angle and side tilt. Have another bottle jack and some blocks of wood to support or adjust the engine angle.

And if it is like my truck with all those years of grease down there ... well, find somewhere else to park it, crawl under it and take a putty knife to the whole works (particularily the frame and the two crossmembers) then drive down a bumpy road to the pressure wash and hose it cleaner.

Once you get a bellhousing bolt out, run down to the hardware store and get a couple 4 inch or so bolts of the same diameter and thread to cut the heads off of and use as alignment studs when you get ready to put the next one in.

And most importantly, be sure someone will show up a couple hours or so after you start attempting to reinstall your transmission so you can actually get it installed ... almost never fails to work!

I really think that if I was going to do this again that I would pull the front sheetmetal and haul the engine/trans as an assembly and work on the whole works on a bench like I have seen suggested before on this forum.

I also installed a drain in my transmission pan while I was rebuilding it. I never have liked loosening pan bolts to drain a transmission. It is just way too messy that way.

And keep that torque converter attached to the transmission or you will be wearing even more hydraulic fluid. It is very easy to remove the converter to flex plate nuts.

My truck also had a poorly constructed exhaust system under it that I had to cut to get out of the way. I am fairly certain it helped lead to the demise of my transmission as the crossover pipe was nearly touching the trans pan and had to be dumping a load of extra heat into the system.

That front crossmember was a bit of a pain to get unbolted, but a couple whacks to the rear and it came out nicely. There are some wires running down the drivers side of the frame that you have to keep a watch on while removing the crossmember.

Good luck with your trans swap ... or better still, even better luck if you don't have to swap it!

[rjewkes]

Not yet but i'm only 100.00 away from getting it.
I'm almost certain that its actualy the rearend or the linkage.