Minimum Height - Trans Removal

[George Snyder]

I am considering removing the TKO from my car to change shifters and massage the internals.

I have been some researching of a couple of home ramp type lifts. It appears that they will raise the car about 22 inches.

Is this enough to remove the trans without killing yourself?

http://www.autolifter.com/tiltLift.html or http://www.kwiklift.com/

Thanks for your help,
Bud

[Cal Metal]

Bud:

You don't need that much room to remove a transmission. The better investment, given that I have done this a hundred times, would be to purchase a good set of jack stands and a transmission jack that has up and down plus side to side adjustments. The transmission jack is the key to reducing your stress and agony in the R & R of your tranny.

[George Snyder]

Thanks cal.

I guess i could use my set of ramps in the front and a floor jack and jack stands in the back?

I have a SUV floor jack, so assume it will lift the rear high enough?

I have often wondered how do you get the car up on four jack stands?

Bud

[Cal Metal]

If getting under your car is a problem because of the low stance, incrementally lift each end until you can get the car off the ground far enough to suit your needs. The tires needn't be off the ground more than four to six inches to remove the tranny.

If possible, find a yoke that you can insert into the tailshaft of your trans to prevent fluid leak. This is more important when you are reinstalling the trans, as trying to fill the unit when it is in the car is a real pain. One time when I was without a tranny jack and a yoke, I created a mess on the garage floor that made the Exxon Valdez disaster look like a Sunday school picnic.

[Clois Harlan]

Bud,

Without a doubt four jack stands and a transmission jack. Transmission jack cost about $60 or $70 at a place like Harbor Freight and my jack stands were around $25-$30 a pair.

I have had my transmission out many times over the last year and a half and with a transmission jack I can pull it out and put it back in so much easier I think my wife could do it if I could get her under the car. I second the use of the yoke in the back of your trany---no mess.


Clois