transmission replacement

[1977lesabre]

I have a 1988 lincoln towncar an the trans went out an i want to swap it with another trans an want to do it my self, i have a set of jack stands just need a extra set an a trans jack an i should be good to go. So my question is how hard would it be for me to do it myself an how olg would it take me to swtich them?

[Remnar 87]

How long it takes to switch is completely dependent on how mechanically inclined you are. the fastest I have changed that particular transmission was about 4 hours. The hardest part is lining up the bellhousing with the block. It's best to have some help when trying to do this. It's not to hard to bolt the torque converter to the flywheel because there is a little cut out, with a rubber boot on it, that allows you to get the bolts in. I assume you know not to remove the flywheel to bolt it to the tc because it will be impossible to get back on. Bolting up the extension mount is a little tricky also. The bolts come in from the top of the mount and a nut is threaded on to the bottom. The hardest part about bolting it up is getting the bolt to fit between the bottom of the floorpans and the bracket that holds the mount. Your best bet is to get a rubber pad that is less thick, or do with out it completely, or if you want, you can try to get the origional back in (it will probably have broken in half by now). It is easiest to jack the tranny up, slide the mount into place, bolt the mount on, let the tranny rest on the mount, and then bolt the tranny to the mount. The rest is easy. Re-connect the shift linkage and bolt the speedo gear back into the extension. If i remember right, there is only one harness to connect, and one ground cable to re-connect. Overall, it's not an overly hard job to do, but it can be a frustrating job none the less. You can do it, I believe in you!!

[Remnar 87]

I almost forgot, to get the extension mount off, you will need to remove the exhaust at the flange right behind the cats and from the front of the muffler (it's just a clamp, no big deal). Believe me, if you end out snaping the bolts off, it will still be easier to replace the studs than it will be to try to remove the mount with the exhaust still intact. Good luck with your project.

[1977lesabre]

ty for the advice, i should be gettin a trans jack an extra jack stands to help with it the set i have now are rated at 3 tons an thought of gettin the same for the extra set or goin with 6 tons for the 2nd set i know thats more than 10 tons if u add up all 4 but i say better safe than sorry lol. The trans jack has a chain to where u can hold the trany to the jack so u can get it down an back up easier. I almost had it one when my neighbor helped me but then i put it all back since he couldnt help me finish but ill get it even if i cant get anyone to help.