Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

transmission install tips?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 08:58 AM
  #16  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Originally Posted by tecgod13
Did you remove the tranny cover from the floorboard? That will give you some more room above the tranny to work with.
Just had a random crazy idea... roll the windows down, put a 4x4 (or 2) through the windows positioned over the tranny. That hopefully will give you enough clearance to stick a come along, or at least some rope, in there to hold the tranny up while you fiddle around with it.

I wouldnt risk bending the door or breaking the door panel. You could build a jig that rests on the floorboards. When I did the clutch in my 4x4 5spd IDI, I left trANS AND TRANSFER ATTACHED AND made a bracket that bolted to the bottom of the trans. 2 bolts where the inspection cover bolts and 1 at the trans mount. Then I guessed where the balance point was, drilleed a hole and bolted it loosely to a floor jack. You need to get the angle just right so the 2 mating surfaces on the trans and engine are parallell. When you get things lined up, shake the trans up/down, side to side while pushing it towards the engine.
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 09:00 AM
  #17  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
we removed everything the book said, the dust covers on both tranny and transfer case, it just doesn't help whatsoever, im gonna go buy a cheap 3 ton jack and try it again probably next weekend one more time. I just cannot see how people have done this multiple times at home. even a tranny jack wouldn't help because that jacks the thing up completely level on the jack, but you have to tilt the tranny to even get it up in there?
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 09:05 AM
  #18  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bashby
I wouldnt risk bending the door or breaking the door panel. You could build a jig that rests on the floorboards. When I did the clutch in my 4x4 5spd IDI, I left trANS AND TRANSFER ATTACHED AND made a bracket that bolted to the bottom of the trans. 2 bolts where the inspection cover bolts and 1 at the trans mount. Then I guessed where the balance point was, drilleed a hole and bolted it loosely to a floor jack. You need to get the angle just right so the 2 mating surfaces on the trans and engine are parallell. When you get things lined up, shake the trans up/down, side to side while pushing it towards the engine.

That leads me to think we have the clutch disk in backwards, because when we put the tip of the input shaft in the hole and try to jack it up to line it up horizontally and vertically, it always seems to move the clutch disk out of line, and the pressure plate is tightened down on it... it's just very frustratinfg
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 09:42 AM
  #19  
Rocky RaetzIDI's Avatar
Rocky RaetzIDI
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
sounds like ya might have to find a cupple of thirsty buddys and buy a cupple 12 packs and invite them over in exchange of a hand throwing that thing up there (it would hapl if u did not have to swap one the biggest trannys for your frist time if thats the case i started out doing jeeps lol and just had to do bigger ones but figured out how on smaller ones sorry to hear ya haveing that much trubble buy im here to tell u something you just need help with
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 09:45 AM
  #20  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
Thats the thing, its me and my dad! course hes an old horse but he still knows more than me. he just has never done a transmission in an old f250. doesn't help that its made out of cast iron.
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 10:15 AM
  #21  
Chevy_Eater's Avatar
Chevy_Eater
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 17
They are a beast, and your arms get tired quickly.

On the transmission jack, the plate the transmission sits on is adjustable for angle. They do help, but they don't take away all the muscle work.

Just a random thought, are you sure the clutch disc is the correct one? Correct spline count and size?
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 10:24 AM
  #22  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Originally Posted by Eallend7
That leads me to think we have the clutch disk in backwards, because when we put the tip of the input shaft in the hole and try to jack it up to line it up horizontally and vertically, it always seems to move the clutch disk out of line, and the pressure plate is tightened down on it... it's just very frustratinfg
You said earlier that you torqued the PP bolts down to spec, are they pulling the PP all the way flush with the flywheel? Even if you had the disc backwards, there should be no way to move the disc while the PP is tight. The last 4 speed I did I got a helper to get in the truck and pick up on the trans and hold most of the weight. I think we wrapped a nylon strap around it to hold onto. I got underneath and lined things up. You may need to jack the front of the engine up to get enough clearance on the floor pan.
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 11:06 AM
  #23  
Rocky RaetzIDI's Avatar
Rocky RaetzIDI
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
well if it makes u feel any better ill be doing the same thing except ill be lineing my motor up with the tranny so ill feel your pain vary soon
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 03:33 PM
  #24  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
@chevy eater: i'm pretty sure it's the right clutch disk, i think i put it on top of the old one, i know the pressure plate is the same because i know we compared those. i'll take the clutch disk all the way back out and see if it's in the right way. not sure if the spline count is right. but i assume it would be.

@bashby: it makes sense what you're saying, considering when it's installed properly it is supposed to have enough friction to turn the flywheel. it would slip like crazy if it's loose enough to slip when just tring to line up the input shaft.
you mean to jack the front of the engine up to lower the backside, where would you recommend i jack it up at. oh lord... that means we gotta use TWO jacks! haha
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 07:08 PM
  #25  
tecgod13's Avatar
tecgod13
Logistics Pro
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 179
From: Western Mass
Thats what I was saying before about the disk. There is NO WAY it can move with the pressure plate tightened. You're more likely to break the disc than move it.

What are you using for the alignment tool? Is it the plastic one that usually comes with a clutch kit? If so, its splined to fit the disc. Take it and stick in through your old disc and see if it fits right. While they generally do a good job, you may have to wiggle it around slightly to make sure its really centered and sticking out straight. The weight of the disc might let it droop a little bit if its just hanging there, especially if its a loose fit inside the pilot bearing.
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 07:51 PM
  #26  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
No its a pretty tight fit inside the pilot bearing, i'll check to make sure that it fits in the old one, and it's just the plastic one. what would yall recommend if it's the right disk and installed the right way as well as alligned? Do you think i should maybe tighten it down more? I do have a cheapo advanced auto torque wrench, which is in inch pounds so i have to convert to foot pounds but the manual lists 29ft. lbs
 
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2013 | 09:13 PM
  #27  
Otahyoni's Avatar
Otahyoni
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 4
From: Terre Haute, IN
That's about 350 in-lbs... pretty high for that small of a torque wrench.

Did you try (can you) lowering the rear of the engine?

I have a hard time offering suggestions since i can't see what you see and it sounds like you've tried about everything. I agree though that you shouldn't be able to move the clutch disk once it's bolted down. I guess make sure nothing it pressing on the pressure plate fingers?
 
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2013 | 04:54 PM
  #28  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
the wrench goes up to like 960 in. lbs.
i have been told to jack the front of the engine up which would lower the rear. gonna see how that works.
im wondering how much i should try to jack it up. like an inch or half an inch or what?
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2013 | 07:32 AM
  #29  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
AS far as jacking up the front of the engine, I have done it on the crank pulley, using a block of wood. I have seen 1 guy bend the snout of the crank this way, so do so at your own risk. Just don't put too much pressure on it and you will be fine. Use a block of wood also. How far to tilt it, you ask? It depends on how far out of parallell the engine and trans are. I did not have to tilt the engine when I did the clutch in mine. (5 speed) If your trans is hitting the floorpan and not allowing you to line it up then you may need to tilt it back.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2013 | 09:43 PM
  #30  
Eallend7's Avatar
Eallend7
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
bending the crank. not good.. ugh... do i risk bending or breaking motor mounts if i try to tilt it too much? the line up is definitely far from parallel. Is there no other area to jack the front of it up?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:42 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE