Hi guys,
I've got a 78 F150 4wd, 351m, and am finally about ready to try and pull the tranny to rebuild it. I've got a c6 shop manual and have watched Kens c6 rebuild video numerous times. The actual rebuild process really doesn't concern me much, but what does is getting the darn thing out of and back into the truck.

This is my only vehicle so once I start I can't afford too much down time. I'm figuring a half day to get it out, a full day to tear it down, clean parts, and start reassembly, and another day to finish assembly and reinstall. That timeline sound feasible? Heck, Ken tears down and rebuilds the whole thing in a little over an hour on the video...

My first question is, how do I get to the top two bolts holding the trans to the block? Through the engine compartment? Or can I get access to them by pulling my carpet up and removing the tranny/t-case hump cover? I think I read something about these two bolts facing rearward, so that'd lead me to believe I'd have to go through the engine compartment. How bit of a pain in the rear is it to get all these bolts out?

Secondly, does the frame cross member really need to be removed? Pretty sure I already know the answer to that, but was wondering if it'd be possible to get the tranny out without doing so...more effort to go this route than removing the cross memeber?

Lastly if anybody has any tips to make things easier or things to keep in mind (besides keeping it clean and making sure the converter is fully engaged) while doing this project, I'd love to hear them.

 

Take out the transmission crossmember and let the transmission hang down. The exhaust will hold the engine up fine. With the transmission hanging down us a long extension and wobble socket to remove the top 2 bolts. My memory is failing but if the 78 has the small crossmember under the bellhousing between the radius rods, yes it needs to come out. Take all the bolts out of both ends and kick it out from between the brackets then move it around so that you can take it out. Going back with it will take a pry bar and a hammer.

 

Thanks for the info. It does have the crossmember right between the radius arm brackets.

So are you leaving the exhaust attached during the whole removal and replacement process? Or just when removing the top two bolts? I had planned on pulling the front part of the exhaust system as it's a dual exhuast sys. with the drivers side crossing to the passenger side under the tranny and then supporting the engine with a jackstand. There might be clearance to get the tranny out without removing it though. I suppose either way would work?

 

If you remove the trans mount from the crossmember you can slide the trans back and then down in the front and out that way. Of course the transfer case has to be removed first. It is a bit of bull work but less to do than dropping the crossmember. That crossmember holds the raduis arms so if you remove it you have to deal with them. I tied the convertor in with wire to keep it in place.

 

That's kind of the process I had in my mind.

During the install, did you seat the convertor and tie it off with wire to keep it in place until you got it up there, or did you get the tranny back up there and then install the tc?

 

Got it up on the crossmember. It is wide enough for it to sit there while you put the convertor in. Makes it a lot less weight. don

 

The easiest method is to remove both cross members.

Remove the front one first.

Been there done that a bazillion times.