Auto Transmission Removal

Q: Auto Transmission Removal

I’m swapping my Power Glide to a Th350 and I’m having some trouble. I’m sure the pros are going to think these are dumb questions, but hey, you learn by doing.

How do you get the rear cross member out? Do you have to loosen up the frame rails? It can twist (pivot) to a point before it hits the floor pan and gets stuck. How do you remove the top 2 bell housing bolts? Do you remove the dipstick first? How do you remove the transmission oil cooler lines at the trans.

A: This may sound unorthodox but I slide one side of the cross member as far forward as I can then just use a hammer to tap other end clear towards the rear of the car. If yours is a real show car then you may have to loosen the frame mounts. After you remove the cross member, you can then tilt the motor and tranny with a jack to gain better access to the top two bolts (use a LONG extension and a flex socket). When tilting, watch out for the distributor against the firewall. By tilting, it’ll also help with the trans lines. I think you can take the transmission lines loose from the radiator and unbolt the retaining clip from the oil pan and lower them with the tranny to gain better access. You may have to go up and down with the transmission a couple of times to first remove the retaining bolt then to remove the filler tube.

A: (How do you remove the top 2 bell housing bolts. ) 9/16 shallow flex socket with 3 ft long extension on 3/8 ratchet.

(Do you remove the dipstick first?) Only if you want all the fluid to come out. Use drain pan under neath and loosen the pan leaving 2 bolts loose in front with the rest of bolts removed.

(How do you remove the transmission oil cooler lines at the trans. ) Use a flare nut wrench, with a backup wrench on trans fitting.

Theres an article on a ST300 to a 2004r in a 1967 Buick A body in Aug issue of Hot Rod. Might help for a few tips and really helps for anyone doing the ST300 to 2004r or 700 conversion.

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