I've been telling the wife for years that I need a lift in the garage, but she still hasn't come through for me! Unfortunately, the transmission in this POS has quit going forward & I need another. I've found a few in the salvage yards for about $200, but the shop wants ~$1000 to put it in. I really don't feel like putting $1000 into it. The undercarriage & frame are very rusty, & I was hoping to sell it off soon & replace it with a better sample, after I fixed my BMW. This changes that plan, unfortunately.

Since I'm willing to drop the $200, & I have the mechanical ability (though I'd rather put my time into the BMW,) I was wondering how difficult the swap would be & if anyone who has done it, on their back with jack stands, has any advice?

Thanks!

 

Hardest part is getting the truck high enough to get the tranny out while on a rolling Jack. Get it high enough and it's like any where else doing it. A pita either way.

 

Sucker is heavy, you almost need a tranny jack or a jig built for your floor jack to get it out correctly. The depth of the pan puts the center of gravity almost where the drain plug is.

I used a few blocks of 4 x 4 lumber to brace it on a flat ATV jack. But then you run into the height issue mentioned above. Also two tie down straps to keep it from rolling over.

If you've ever pulled a chevy v6 or a small block v8 auto trans with a t-case it's pretty much the same. Only difference is the weight, LR uses some heavy pieces in the driveline.

Don't forget to prime the torque converter before you put it all back together.

 

Disco Den? Does that mean you live in Denver?
If so I can help you out. Possibly even provide a lift and a helping hand.

 

Yeah, getting the vehicle high enough is the problem. I just took my 5-speed out, but I had the engine out too so took it out the engine bay.
A couple sets of 12 ton jack stands would do the trick I think, however, or 6-ton stands on some good cribbing.

 

Second that, I'll also lend a hand, tools, etc.

 

No. I wish I lived in Denver! My name is Dennis, I have a Disco, & I grew up in Mason City, IA, where there was a night club in the 70's called The Disco Den. I never went there, as the whole disco scene thankfully died when I was about 8, but I always thought it was funny... Kind of an inside joke!

Thanks for the offer, that would have been great! I live in Lakeville, MN, a southern suburb of Minneapolis.