Is it necessary to remove transfer case to drop MDO5 transmission?

[cnord]

Gurus --

I have a 96' Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4 with MDO5 manual. I am all set to drop the transmission; everything that needed to be removed is out -- hassle. Anyway, the 'book' says to remove the transfer case and then remove the transmission. But I am thinking I can remove it as a unit and save the hassle of having to crack loose the transfer case bolts.

So my question is: If I put my trans jack under the transmission in front of the cross member; remove the trans mount bolts and drop the crossmember, is it going to be way out of balance with the xfer case still bolted on the end? Or will it be manageable? I guess a better way to ask the question: is it common practice to leave the xfer case attached when pulling a manual trans?

Chris

 

[bobbywalter]

if your asking....you are better off removing it.

 

[Curious Hound]

It should be manageable. But I wouldn’t do it. It’s so easy to remove the transfer case. It makes the transmission lighter, easier and safer to maneuver if you separate the two.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Tie it down tight to a proper tranny jack, it will want to roll to the left in the worst way. Have a way to lift the truck A LOT to get the trans to be able to roll out on the jack.

Last one I did I didn't have it tied down well enough and as soon as it was free of the engine it did a barrel roll and spewed ATF everywhere. I am 1/1 of doing it succesfully. Only success story was done at work

 

[Shran]

I almost always remove it. Much easier to work around everything when it's not in the way.

 

[cnord]

Thank you for the advice. I think removing the xfer case and then the transmission is the plan.