Problems removing the transmission

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Jul 2, 2023 | 07:08 AM

Davis f250

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5th Wheeling

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Problems removing the transmission

Hey guys I have a 78 f250 4x4 that I've owned for about 2 years now and it has had a bad transmission leak since I have owned it. I recently started pulling the original c6 out of the truck but I've run into a bit of a problem and need some words of wisdom. I already have the transfer case fully removed, along with all linkage and lines connected to the transmission. I got all of the bolts out and was able to slide the transmission back about an inch or so before the top of the bell housing hit the bottom of the cab floor. Im using a floor jack to take it out and I've tried jacking the transmission up a few inches or letting it down a little to clear the cab floor to allow it to slide further back. Still no luck. Any suggestions?

Jul 2, 2023 | 07:38 AM

egchewy

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maybe loosen the motor mounts and jack the front of the engine up a bit to get a better downward angle at the rear of the trans?
have you detached the flex plate bolts from the torque converter?

Jul 2, 2023 | 10:06 AM

mark a.

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Did you take the torque converter's 4 nuts off ?

Jul 2, 2023 | 12:33 PM

tbear853

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark a.

Did you take the torque converter's 4 nuts off ?

X2 ... removing those 4 nuts and pushing the TC in towards the transmission far enough the hub and studs can clear holes will help ... if not already done..

I had a front seal leaking when the truck sat for long periods, but regular driving helped, and some sealer didn't hurt. I have a long time buddy does transmissions as a business, I decided I'll get him to do the seals in my '77 C-6 when / if needed. He has the lifts and jacks and all. I know the day is coming, I might get him to do it while he still can, before it's really needed. That TC and etc is why.

Jul 5, 2023 | 09:17 PM

Davis f250

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Joined: May 2021

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Thanks for all the input!! I have not taken the 4 TC nuts off but I will definitely do that and see if that gives me more clearance. Also, I have known that the trucks rubber body bushings needed to be replaced but after looking at them closer, several of the bushings have completely fallen through the mounts on the frame due to rust. The bad mounts are probably a huge contributor to why I'm not getting enough clearance. I had already ordered new cab bushing a while ago from LMC so I'm planning on shifting gears a little and focusing on replacing those since that need to be done anyway then finish pulling the tranny.

Ive been chipping away at this build for about 2 years now (driving the truck when able to) and the tranny leaks plus the cab mounts are some of my last hurdles so I'm super excited about getting her back on the road and riding smooth and leak free. I will keep you guys posted!

Jul 5, 2023 | 09:21 PM

moose4x4

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: springfield Missouri area

I've always taken the crossmember out to get the c-6 out of my f250 4x4. pain in the rear but you don't have to stand the tranny at such an angle to get it out.

Jul 6, 2023 | 03:20 PM

egchewy

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TC is bolted to the flex plate, which is bolted to the engine, so you won't be able to pull the trans out without separating these two things.
if the frame is rusted enough that the bushing is falling through, you'll need to weld some new mounting points on for the bushing to sit in the frame.

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Jul 6, 2023 | 03:40 PM

tbear853

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by egchewy

TC is bolted to the flex plate, which is bolted to the engine, so you won't be able to pull the trans out without separating these two things. .. etc.

Yep, the TC goes a good ways into the transmission front pump, you might get a transmission pulled back off the TC, but it's gonna tear up stuff. For better to undo the nuts, push the TC into the transmission and drop both together.

I had forgotten it but that transmission crossmember is only bolted in between the frame rails with 6 total bolts up top frame rails, and the bolts at the radius arm brackets. I'm wondering if the 6 are removed, and the ones attaching just to the RA brackets, and the trans mount bolts, will the crossmember then slide back and down with the RA brackets still attached to the frame rail lower, even if just loosely. Of course the transmission (& transfer case if attached) would need to be supported.