1996 4X4 transmission R&R help

I have a 1996 4X4 with an automatic transmission that is going bad. I am thinking about buying a rebuilt one; with a rebuilt torque converter from an online rebuild shop like Phoenix Remanufactured Transmission . I would like to know how many hours it would take to R&R the Trans. Do I have to pull the engine or is their room to drop the transmission out of the bottom? Does the cross member have to go? Do you have to tilt the engine down to remove the transmission or get to the bolts? Can you pull the transmission with the transfer case from the engine or do you have to pull the transfer case off first, then the transmission? I have the entire normal roll round type tools and I will rent a transmission jack. Is their any other special tool needed? I have metal in the transmission now. Is their any special a way to flush out the lines and transmission cooler? Any other though or ideas would be welcome. Thanks Dave

To the best of my knowledge
Do I have to pull the engine- NO
Does the cross member have to go?-YES
Do you have to tilt the engine down to remove the transmission or get to the bolts?-YES
Can you pull the transmission with the transfer case-YES
Is their any other special tool needed? None that I can think of.
Is their any special way to flush out the lines and transmission cooler? Parts stores sell a flush kit, not sure how well they actually work though.
Sorry can't give you a timeframe.

The transfercase needs to come off first so you don't pull torsion bar x-member. Then pull other x-member under transmission, access bellhousing bolts with 4 foot extension and swivel socket. Lubegard, tranny flush in a can for cooler(works great!). Renew input seal on transfercase so transmission ATF from tranny won't enter transfercase later. Flat rate time is about 8.5 hours.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the information on the R&R. Do you know anything about the beefed up rebuilds and what should I be asking for and look for? IE bigger springs, newer type seals, bigger bands??? Dave

Theres so many different mods that can be done to these. You should talk to a shop to have it built for your specific needs(towing, racing, whatever)The list is endless. And rebuilt tranny is not the same from company to company. I would say, to stay away from national chain parts stores. Sure there the cheapest but when your pulling it back out, thats no fun. Also, sometimes transmissions fail from electronic issues that are outside the transmission.