My brother is trying to remove the 5 speed manual transmission in his 1996 Mazda pickup with a 2.3L 4 cylinder engine. He says that he cannot get to the two bolts holding it to the block on top of the trans. Any one did this and have a tip on how to get the trans out. The hydraulic throw out bearing is bad. I am normally on the mid fiftys forum although I own two Rangers. Any help will be appreciated.
Elmo

 

Well he got one out one left to go!
Elmo

 

If its like the 4.0, you have to LOWER the rear of the trans (remove the support and have a jack ready under the engine to support it all). I went to harbor freight and got a 24 inch 3/8 inch extension and a set of metric swivel sockets. I have not worked on a 4 cyl so this is a guess at best. Should just slide off. One of my BIL works for a place that makes nuts bolts etc. He made me a couple of about 12-14 inch long studs to screw into the lower bolt holes and I can then slide the trans off and back on very easily. You could do the same with some all thread rod if ya really wanted to.

 

Thanks Hank. He already has the xmember removed.
Elmo