please help!

[Nick808]

i'm trying to replace the clutch in a 97 3.0L V6. I have the transmission completely detached from the truck, but I can't get it out. no clearance between the cross member and the underside of the floor. Do i need to pop the rivets and remove the front cross member or is there something i'm missing? any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wanebell]

Nick;

Are you sure that you have the transmission completely unbolted? There are six bolts holding the transmission to the engine block. There are also two bolts fastening the transmission to the transmission support member.

Did you remove the exhaust crossover pipe? The front of the transmission will not fit between the bottom of the doghouse, ( the indentation in the firewall), and the crossover pipe. Have you removed the transmission support member? The rear of the transmission needs to drop a little to get the front of the transmission to pass between the doghouse and the crossmember.

Also, your transmission input shaft may be in a bind. Have you supported the rear of the engine with a jack? If you haven't, do it now. Try raising and/or lowering the rear of the engine slightly and see the transmission will slide out.