First time to Drop a Trans

[Jackie Mac]

Could someone tell me how many bell housing bolts hold the trans in? Its my first time removing a Transmission. Just bought a trans jack today and am doing as much research as possible before I start I have a 1986 With a 305 V8 and a 350 Lock out trans. Any tips from you guys is much apprec. Thanks

[old Rusty C10]

its either six or eight..9/16 head IIRC make sure you disconnect the torque convertor from the flex plate too while youre doing that end of the removal ..

[gchemist]

You can find generic directions at Autozone: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/rep...00c1528004c68f

There are six bolts. If you use two long extensions and swival joint, you can reach all them.
Remember to unbolt the torque converter before you unbolt the transmission. Take your time. I removed the one in my truck myself. I had a little help to put it back in. I like using ramps on the front wheels with jack stands as backup supports.

[Mr Pops]

I knew it was an odd number, but I couldn't remember if it was 5 or 7, so I googled a pic.. It's 7 bell housing bolts and 3 torque converter bolts. Someone told me you can pull the tranny without unbolting the converter, but on every motor or tranny I've ever pulled, I've unbolted the converter prior to splitting the tranny from the engine.

[VegasBruce]

3 in the torque converter, and 6 in the bell housing. The T350 doesn't use the top, center bolt.

[lilpoindexter]

I've never seen that center top bolt on a Chevy I've taken apart.

[VegasBruce]

Its a leftover from the 50's, none trans in our squares use it.

[Jackie Mac]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I just broke a manifold stud off when removing the y-exhaust. I will drill it out and tap it later (DANG !) I really appreciate any other info ya'll have. Thanks again

[Hevy]

Anyone ever use a motorcycle jack to remove a tranny? I was going to by a tranny jack but then looked at my cycle jack and thought hmmm...

[gchemist]

I use a floor jack and a large piece of wood. Large enough for the oil pan to sit on.

[Toxic Redline]

I've done about 8 trans dropps and my favorite thing to use is two floor jack one for the transmission and one for the transfercase, i bought the $40 transmission jack adapter from northern tools that i use on the transmisson and i wouldnt do it another way, the adapter is TALL but on a lifted truck it works, if your not dealing with a transfercase it shouldnt be that hard to balance

[sumran]

I removed several transmissions with a flat board I rigged to fit on my floor jack. Thought I was pretty smart until the tranny I was going to keep rolled off during removal and broke the corner off the case. I got it welded and it will probably be ok, but I will be buying the adaptor mentioned by Toxic Redline before I do another drop or install. I will probably install the motor and tranny as a unit when I put it back together.

[slammedLT1]

Unbolting the torque converter makes for alot less cleanup when you slip it out of there! You dont wanna damage the bushing/seal in the front of the trans. Drop the pan and drain the fluid for sure before you puller out. That ll lighten it up some too then if she falls or the dipstick tube pops out you wont have a lake underneath the truck. If you're using a long extension and a swivel a 14mm socket fits alot tighter on the bellhousing bolts , makes it a lil easier so the socket doesnt fall off the head of the bolt when usin long extensions!. I use like 3 or 4 feet of extensions myself

[Jackie Mac]

Thanks again for all the great info!

[blazer2007]

can the starter stay in?

[Your41Plague12]

I would honestly recommend just taking the starter out, it can't hurt. I've always done it, it's two extra bolts and a few wires to disconnect.

[slammedLT1]

Personal preference. I don't remove the starter. It won't be in your way. Had to do this daily at a tranny shop so its just my opinion.
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[bigblock73]

Support the back of the engine when the trans is out