1990 Ranger Transmission removal

[wagonerkl]

The clutch in my sister's 1990 Ranger went out and we are having trouble getting the tranny out.

I have it on the transmission lift but the bell housing does not seem to clear the exhaust on the bottom, or the firewall at the top of the tunnel as I attempt to slide it rearward. Has anyone done this who knows where we went wrong? I don't remember the book saying to remove the exhaust system...that would be a pain. Any tips? Thank you.

 

[swynx]

On v6 models your supposed to remove the exhaust. Try pulling the gear shifter. Slide it all the way back and then let the tail end down first while sliding it back further

 

[swynx]

Also you can go to autozone to get full instructions on how to remove it.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Pretty sure the exhaust has to be removed.

I did it recently on my choptop without taking the exhaust off, but I have a 2" body lift which was just enough to get it wiggled around the exhaust. Plus I don't have the radius arm crossmember in my way.

 

[adsm08]

I have heard that it is possible to remove the trans without removing the exhaust. I don't see how. I already have to tip my trans at a really odd angle to clear the body seam and the radius arm cross member at the same time. The exhaust would be higher and make the obstruction harder to clear.

Gotta get those pipes out of the way man.

 

[bmerr98]

It's been a while, but I did the clutch on my old 1991 3.0 5spd manual without removing the exhaust. Had to back it out as far as it would go and pretty much rotate the transmission upside down. Still tight, but it came out and went in the same way. Didn't have a transmission lift. Just had to manhandle it. Might want to remove any nearby O2 sensors to give you a little room and keep them from being damaged...voice of experience there...