Removal and Replacement

The transmission and converter must be removed as an assembly, otherwise, the converter driveplate, front pump bushing and oil seal will be damaged. The driveplate will not support the load; therefore, none of the weight of the transmission should be allowed to rest on the plate during removal.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Some models will require that the exhaust system be lowered for clearance.
2. On all models, remove engine to transmission struts (if equipped), then disconnect transmission cooler lines and remove starter motor, cooler line bracket and converter access cover.
3. Drain fluid from transmission as outlined under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/CHANGING OIL.
4. Mark converter and driveplate to aid in reassembly. The crankshaft flange bolt circle, inner and outer circle of holes in the driveplate, and the four tapped holes in front face of converter all have one hole offset so these parts will be installed in the original position. This maintains balance of the engine and converter.
5. Remove converter-to-driveplate bolts. Rotate engine clockwise using socket wrench to gain access to all bolts. Do not rotate converter or driveplate by prying with a screwdriver or similar tool, as the driveplate might become distorted.
6. Mark driveshaft to aid in reassembly and remove driveshaft.
7. Disconnect neutral and back-up light switch connector and gearshift and torque shaft assembly from transmission. When disassembling linkage rods from levers which use plastic grommets as retainers, the grommets should be replaced with new ones.
8. Disconnect throttle rod from lever at left side of transmission, then remove linkage bellcrank from transmission, if so equipped.
9. Remove oil filler tube and disconnect speedometer cable.
10. Install a suitable fixture or jack that will support engine, then raise transmission slightly with a jack to relieve the load on the supports, and remove the crossmember. Some models have a torsion bar anchor crossmember that remains in place and requires a careful downward tilt on front of transmission as it is being lowered. If these models have a vibration dampening weight bolted to rear of extension housing, it must be removed.
11. On all models, remove transmission to engine bolts and carefully work transmission and converter assembly rearward off engine block dowels and disengage converter hub from end of crankshaft. Using a small C-clamp on edge of bellhousing, hold converter in place during transmission removal.
12. Remove transmission assembly from under vehicle.
13. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque transmission-to-engine bolts to 30 ft-lbs.
b. Torque converter-to-driveplate bolts to 270 inch lbs.