Remove Automatic Transmission

I have a 99 Ford Explorer XLT, V6, 4X4 with the 5R55E automatic transmission. I'm getting ready to remove / replace the transmission. Can anyone give me step by step procedures. Do you have to lower the back of the engine any for the transmission to clear the torque converter? Any tricks to getting torque converter off the flywheel? Any help would be appreciated.

I would suggest you get a Haynes manual it gives a step by step procedure for this job.
If you run into torx fittings that feel to loose buy a set of torx plus.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_9605.htm
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_9680.htm
Chevy's use the 9605 set and ford uses a 9680 but I'm not sure which vehicles check before you start.
SKT 84231 and SKT 84231 if you want better quality.

first of all, you have to remove the starter to unbolt the torque converter, and, unbolt everything else, and ready to go,

you dont need to do anything to the engine,. you need to drop the exhaust system, not the manifold exhaust, , take that out, take the starter out and there you will see the bolts that hold the torque converter, just turn the crank with a wrench that fit your engine to locate the 4 bolts that hold the torque converter,, or 5,? well, the torque converter will come out with the trans,. just the flywheel will stay on the engine,. take both rear and front shafts and drop the trans together with the transfer case. , use a jack to hold the transmission and transfer case while unbolting,. good luck.

dont forget to disconect all the wires from your tranny and tcase.

you'll need a jack, and a helper too just to make sure you don't accidentally let the transmission roll over on you. Put the truck on jackstands, make sure the ones at the back are under the frame.

Put your jack under the transmission. Unbolt the starter and torque converter bolts like the other guy said, and unbolt the drive shaft from the rear end. Make sure you unhook all lines and electrical connectors from the transmission. Slowly slide the transmission back, you and your helper might have to wiggle it loose, and slowly lower it down.

Thanks chupakabras (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=603935) I forgot he mentioned it being 4 wheel drive so I forgot to mention the transfer case.

Forgot to mention too about a center brace going from one side of the frame to the other that's their with your transmission mount, just take the brace off as well, after you have a jack under the transmission.

Forgot to mention too about a center brace going from one side of the frame to the other that's their with your transmission mount, just take the brace off as well, after you have a jack under the transmission.

i didn't forgot that but maybe he's a newbie on this so, not a bad advice for sure. i assumed that once down there he will see that that's the only thing holding the tranny and tcase in place,. good luck to this guy. :naughty:

i didn't forgot that but maybe he's a newbie on this so, not a bad advice for sure. i assumed that once down there he will see that that's the only thing holding the tranny and tcase in place,. good luck to this guy. :naughty:


Sorry I worded that wrong, I didn't say that you forgot, I was saying that I forgot. I was just trying to think of everything possible to tell him so he'd know and know how to do it safely.

Sorry I worded that wrong, I didn't say that you forgot, I was saying that I forgot. I was just trying to think of everything possible to tell him so he'd know and know how to do it safely.

i know i know, i wasn't either suggesting that you were telling me something,. i just tryied to complete my post,. :smokin:

just coincidence, you started your post with forgot and i started mine with i didn't forgot, haha, no big deal, i think we are in the same frequency, see yah.

I'll eventually stop thinking of things I think, but you will probably also need a really long extension with a knuckle to get some of your transmission bolts out.

me too, or maybe im always thinking on my race truck, haha, we have plenty of space to get our hands dirty,. haha.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/chupakabras/DSCN2090.jpg

Thanks for the advice. These forums and you guys are great. I'm a pretty good mechanic type, just have never worked on an Explorer before. I'll be sure and take pictures, unhook wiring, drive shafts, etc. Main thing, which you answered, is it's pretty straight forward. I do have the Hayne's manual and will follow it. I've borrowed a jack and have a helper. Again thanks for the help. Will let you know how it goes...........Joe

How do I get to the 2 bolts on top of the bell housing I have everything else loose and cant get to them. What's the secret or trick??

How do I get to the 2 bolts on top of the bell housing I have everything else loose and cant get to them. What's the secret or trick??

from below, with a long ratch extension and a couple of universal ratchet adapters, good luck.

How do I get to the 2 bolts on top of the bell housing I have everything else loose and cant get to them. What's the secret or trick??
Try a long extension 2 foot to 3 foot long with a flexible socket.