before tearing into

[Denisefwd93]

Omg it actually runs drives shifts and stops!
Clip missing from the speedometer cable connector check out the wire tie solution!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

 

[Denisefwd93]

2 exhausted seniors here!

 

[Denisefwd93]

Wrap up!
Top BH bolts where missing, but they are not too difficult to access from above by crawling across the engine I reaching down. (4.0)

Don't even try to do any of this without dropping the transfer case!

I am now a firm and true believer in pre bled hydraulics! It was extremely difficult without instructions on how to install the plastic line but when everything was done; the clutch Works quite well with the new master and slave cylinders.

Be aware of 12 point bolts and plan accordingly, for the 8mm universal joint bolts on the front drive shaft and the rear drive shaft 12 millimeter bolts. Bolt head grab type of sockets are like a tool Sent From Heaven just for this type of work!

Don't even think of doing this without a transmission jack and at least one other garage floor jack!

It seems entirely logical and practical to change the engine and transmission as one unit (without the transfer case) this is hindsight and a mistake on my part because almost 3 years ago I came across a 62,000 mile wrecked 98. Obtained the Engine, m50d and transfer case (only the transfer case was not usable on the older truck).
Engine is still in storage.

This kind of project can seriously affect a friendship with a well-meaning and caring friend that has all the tools necessary but is like myself, older and should not playing in these areas of expertise! but when did that ever stop us!

The truck is now at my house in the rear yard and I'm going to start tinkeringfixing many other issues get this truck to a point where it's a reliable vehicle.

The body is quite rustless the frame and running gear are very Rusty,. Only the area between the rear spring mounts and the rear bumper looks questionable there are no cracks anywhere on the frames otherwise,


All in all, I think it was a good purchase it has brand new tires and now a low mileage transmission. 188k on the od.

Thank you all for contributing advising and encouraging!

 

[Shran]

If you're physically able, it's easier to just put the trans on your chest and lift it up into place rather than monkey around with jacks - at least this has been my experience. Having the exhaust at least dropped down or gone completely makes this a LOT easier and I always hammer the pinch weld flat too - but I have done them without doing this, it just requires using a pry bar to get the trans past the Y pipe.

Removing the t-case is definitely a must - more of a pain with an auto though or an older 4 or 5 speed that does not have a sealed tailhousing - you may get an oil bath or at least dripped on.

I'm not sure that you can get the engine and trans in as one piece more easily. I would not do it that way. You have to remove a ton more stuff to get the engine out. And possibly remove the hood as well.

Pre bled hydraulics are nice but it's pretty easy to bench bleed the master. I leave the slave dry and just let it gravity fill.

Just from my experience anyway. Glad you got it done.

 

[Denisefwd93]

If you're physically able, it's easier to just put the trans on your chest and lift it up into place rather than monkey around with jacks - at least this has been my experience. Having the exhaust at least dropped down or gone completely makes this a LOT easier and I always hammer the pinch weld flat too - but I have done them without doing this, it just requires using a pry bar to get the trans past the Y pipe.

Removing the t-case is definitely a must - more of a pain with an auto though or an older 4 or 5 speed that does not have a sealed tailhousing - you may get an oil bath or at least dripped on.

I'm not sure that you can get the engine and trans in as one piece more easily. I would not do it that way. You have to remove a ton more stuff to get the engine out. And possibly remove the hood as well.

Pre bled hydraulics are nice but it's pretty easy to bench bleed the master. I leave the slave dry and just let it gravity fill.

Just from my experience anyway. Glad you got it done.

Hank actually did wrestle the transmission with his arms and body after it was basically up there but I can't believe how incredibly heavy all this stuff is. I would never suggest people not use jacks because if they get hurt they would blame me LOL I'm considered overly cautious, because I once had employees is the reason.

 

[Shran]

An M5OD is fairly light as far as transmissions go - I would not recommend doing what I do unless you are pretty confident that it can be done. There is always the potential for injury even with jacks.

One little trick I like is to put a 2x4 through the truck's side windows and run a ratchet strap or chain down through the hole in the floor and around the back of the trans to hold it up. It's just an additional safety item and allows you to wiggle the trans around and into place really easily.