M5OD R&R - Do I need a Tranny Jack?

[griggs]

It appears the throw out bearing, or something, is shot in my 96 R Extended cab with 3.0L and M5OD Tranny. How heavy is this Tranny? Do I need a transmission jack? It is an aluminum case but has a long tailshaft so might be heavier than I think. Advise much appreciated. Thanks - Jerry in Kingston, WA

 

[Mutant Pony]

I'm not a very big guy, 5'10", 165lbs. I prefer to do it without a jack. I can get the trans just where I want it.
Just remember, don't put your face/head under any part you are unbolting.

 

[MAKG]

It's not that heavy -- around 80 lbs empty with the transfer case off -- but it sure is easier to deal with with a basic platform jack.

Nothing too elaborate; if the jack outweighs the transmission, it's not worth it.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Its manageable. I am 5'11" 180lbs. Your arms will get tired after a couple minutes of trying to get it back in after you forget to used the clutch alignment tool.......

 

[crbnunit]

I don't have a jack that is high enough. I found a couple of tie down straps work pretty well. Just put a strap across the frame rails and under the tranny at either end. Unbolt it, slide it back off the shaft and lower it to the ground with the straps, working one end at a time. You can install it the same way. No worry about dropping the transmission and you can do it by yourself.

 

[rboyer]

I did one on a lift before without a jack and it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but I got the thing out and back in by myself and i'm still alive. I've done several on the ground and I prefer not using a jack. With the 6 inch suspension lift and 33's on my truck it's to just the right height where I can lay on the ground and use my knees as a pivot point to pull it out, then when I put it back in I just lay under there, roll the trans on top of me, and pull my knees in towards me to lift it up and push it in. They really are quite light but of course you should always take precautions to ensure your own safety.

 

[griggs]

Thanks for all the good info. It is going on blocks today. Sounds like I can get away without a lift.
Jerry

 

[JohnPi]

Another thing that I found useful when installing the transmission on my truck last winter, with the help of my brother, we used a metal rod that was wider then the truck to help lift the trans. up. We got it most of the way up with a standard jack, and used the metal rod (with us standing on either side of the truck) to jockey it close to position.

This method can also be used when removing the transmission.

Another thing to consider, and I'm sure someone else can chime in on this: I have the 4.0L, and the Y pipe for the exhaust really interferred with removing the transmission, so I would recommend trying to have that removed if it's easy enough to do. It makes working in that space a lot easier too.

 

[rboyer]

Getting around the Y-pipe can be tricky, but there IS enough room to get it through there and you have to keep remembering that the whole time or else you'll give up too early! Once you get the feel for it, then yanking it out is really easy but can still present problems from shifting it slightly the wrong way.

 

[Mutant Pony]

If you unbolt the exhaust at the back of the cats, it will drop down far enough that you can change the trans. It is easier still if you unbolt the crossover pipe though.
As rboyer said, I have done it both ways and prefer to do it on the ground.