1986 BII 2.9 AOD 4X4 (Eddie Bauer Edition, no less). AOD lost front seal, need to save some dough so I will tackle the tranny removal (complete for freshening) and reinstall myself.

I have moderate mechanical experience on bigger trucks but this is my first big job on the little ones. I've searched forums but have found no step-by-step to help me. Just a few questions:
1. Does the exhaust need to be taken loose at the manifold and cat?
2. Front Drive shaft - remove completely or just from the front axle?
3. I'm assuming the transfer case stays with the tranny?
4. Any other hints or hidden bolts that will drive me nuts?

Thanks for your help.

 

hopefully this helps...

1. NO
2. YES
3. YES
4. ??
If it's automatic..

yes..front drive shaft has to be removed..take the front bolts out then pull it out..might have to pry where it comes out of the transfer case..but GENTLY PRY..as you dont want to bend that ring/seal. The cross member under the transmission should be the last thing you remove with a jack under the transmission for support. Make sure you've disconnected the shifter linkage. Easiest way i found for that is remove the two bolts that hold the linkage to the frame then there is a 15mm(?) bolt that tightens down on a round rod ..loosent that and slide that rod out of the way..then there is two bolts on the side of the transmission that hold a red bracket..take them loose..put bolts back in holes for safe keeping..One will be a tad smaller then the other. Make sure you've removed the starter, the inspection plate off the bottom of the transmission, the four 14mm bolts off the torque convertor. All 6 bolts off the bell housing. On top of the motor will be a vent hose..pull that off. Both transmission lines have been removed. Rear drive shaft disconnected. Spedo cable disconnected. The plug on the transmision for neutral safety switch, reverse lights and 4x4 selector. Popped the 4x4 **** off the tcase selector inside truck..comes off easily by taking an adjustable wrench and opening it to fit where the **** and shaft are and taping upwards with a hammer. Then after all that check around to make sure you haven't missed anything. Make sure the transmisison and Transfer case are supported. Remove the two bolts that are bolted to the trans mount (18mm i beleive) ..there will be a exhaust hanger tab that is on the passenger side bolt of the transmount..fold that down out of the way. Then remove the two bolts on the end of the cross memeber and remove crossmember. start working the trans back out and down carefully.
GOOD LUCK!!

 

First before you get the wrong parts, it's an A4LD, not an AOD. I've pulled a them without taking the exhaust off but if you can get it off it will be helpful. Pull the front and rear driveshaft. The t-case will unbolt, 5 bolts if I remember correctly. You will have to do a little prying on it but it will come off pretty easily. Very good change you won't get that trans crossmember out. You probably won't get the bolts out of the bushings without cutting them out. Unbolt the trans from the engine and from the flexplate. Unbolt the mount from the crossmember, lift and slide it back then drop it out bellhousing first. I've done it this way quite a few times. Remember you will have to support the engine, it will try to leak back and fight against you.

Matt

 

Thanks, sorry I don't speak Bronco II very well, AOD was my shorthand for Automatic Overdrive.
Help I M, that is exactly what I was needing, something I can print out and refer to as I plod along.
project, thanks for the transfer case info if those crossmember bolts act up.

 

it's not necessary to unbolt the trans case..just have two good floor jacks and work them togehter...and a extra person to help. I've taken mine out several times to replace the front pump seal..twice in one day. Good luck..i'll check back time to time if you have any other questions.

 

Yes it's possible to do it without removing the t-case but just more awkward. Without the t-case I can benchpress the transmission in and out pretty easily. It the trans crossmember is rusted in, you definitely need to pull the t-case.

Matt

 

Success!! About 3 1/2 hours after I found all the oddball tools I needed (12mm 12 point, #30 star wrench) Crossmember came out easy, biggest hurdle was reaching all those bellhousing bolts (future hint - go in through the wheel well for passenger side bolts). Also, could those transmission lines be in any worse a place to get a wrench on? I will put the trans and transfer case back in seperately, too awkward and hard to handle as a unit.
Thanks guys, I printed your instructions out and just highlighted (well, smeared oil on) the sections as I finished.

 

3 1/2 hours isn't bad for a first time removal. I can get mine out in about an hour now. Them transmission lines are easy to get out with a 3inch body lift..at least you can get your arm in there a lot easier. Also makes for gettting the trans bolts out easier to. I also have a 4 inch suspension lift with 35 inch tires..so i can lay under there without it being up on jackstands.