Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle tranny removal...

hey before i get hounded for not searching i did search this topic and found no related threads....im just wondering if you have to remove the front subframe to remove the tranny? i am going to install a torsen LSD and need to remove the tranny...is it something that can be done on jackstands or should i pay someone to do it on a lift....i may have access to a lift but not sure yet depending on how much you have to take off to remove the tranny whether or not ill do it myself...i used to work for ford years ago and swapped out a few taurus trannies and i know that you had to remove the subframe for that so thats why im asking this....thanks

You can pull the engine/tranny together with the car on jackstands out through the top. The hood will go back far enough without pulling it off. Then you can do other things to then engine while you are at it anyway.
It takes an experienced person about 5 hours to park the car in the garage till the powerplant is on the ground next to it if you have an engine hoist and the right tools.

is this how most people do it? is it possible to drop just the tranny out from underneath of it?

Search much?

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=890147&Forum=tranny&Words=subframe&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=99&Old=allposts&Main=890124&Search=true#Post890147

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=935776&Forum=tranny&Words=subframe&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=99&Old=6months&Main=934912&Search=true#Post935776

Prefer though the bottom.


The UIM/LIM doesn't need to be removed obviously. I was cleaning it on top of replacing the clutch. This is about as far as you can go for a tear down w/o removing the engine with it.

i went through the bottom.. and its what i would do if i had to do it again.



get the subframe out and you are in business

No need to remove the subframe!! Leave the 2 bolts in the pass. side. They should be the first to be removed and then reinstall giving them about 4-5 turns. Then completely remove the driver side nuts and let it hang down. Don't have to mess with all the stuff attached to the SF.

HOw long did it take you Todd? And did you have air tools?

Took me quite a while working alone. I had air tools but didn't use them a ton. By the time you change the ends and mess around sometimes I'd just use a ratchet. Some place you just can't get into. These are pics of my 2nd R&R. I think about 7-8 hrs to remove. I take my time and have to deal with MI rusty bolts. Also whomever did this trans. last time tightened everything to 200 foot lbs. Not kidding either. I had to cut the stab-o-shock bracket off with my cut off wheel. Took me about an hour messing with that alone. I still couldn't get the 1/2 that's bolted to the trans off. Had to spend another 1/2 hr. cutting it into bits so I was able to get a new bracket on. I have recently bought a better gun too. The one that comes with the Craftsman pump SUCKS ARSE! Each job is different. This one didn't want to work with me.

Take sme about 4-5 hours to drop a trans using the same method as Todd (I showed him )

They both have their advantages and disadvantages.
You need to have a realignment down if you pull the subframe. Unhooking the rack is a pain as well as maneuvering the trans. Of course you don't have to touch the coolant system but that isn't hard to pull. Very restrictive working underneath as well.
Pulling through the top makes pulling the trans and putting it back onto the engine very easy.

The downside is you have to pull the radiator and drain the coolant. Honestly I think there is less work to pull through the top and you get to see more of the engine for inspection purposes, and at least it is mostly done on your feet.
Another downside is needing a hoist.