Topic: Tools needed for auto trans replacement?

[dexetr30]

Getting ready to replace the 30rh in my heep. Am I going to need any special tools for this job? What about parts... other than the trans, torque converter and fluid. Do I need anything else? Any tips?? I haven't done a trans replace in well over a decade.  I ordered the trans yesterday and it should be here withing 4 days. Hoping to get it done before the weather gets any colder. No heat in the garage. 

[oldjeep]

Don't really need any special tools to just replace it.  Make sure you buy an extra torque convertor seal in case you screw it up during the install.

Tranny jack is nice to have but I've installed mine each time with the pan on a floor jack.

[dexetr30]

Thanks oldjeep. One last question. Since I'm replacing with a completely new trans and torque converter, do I need to worry about alignment between the new converter and drive plate? If I do, how do I go about doing that?

Thanks again...

[oldjeep]

Thanks oldjeep. One last question. Since I'm replacing with a completely new trans and torque converter, do I need to worry about alignment between the new converter and drive plate? If I do, how do I go about doing that?

Thanks again...

No.

Put a quart of fluid in the convertor and then installit on the trans.  Make sure it drops 3 times. 

Install the tranny - if the torque convertor is getting pressed against the flexplate when you are tightening the bellhousing bolts then you didn't get it seated all the way.

Once that is done then spin the convertor with your hands and line up with the holes in the flexplate.  The pattern on a TF trans is assymetrical so make sure you have it in the correct orrientation before putting in the first bolt.  You should have to pull the convertor towards the flexplate 1/4" or so.

[dexetr30]

Easy enough. Thanks again.

[aw12345]

Also if the old trans failed do a good job of flushing out the trans cooler or take the radiator and cooler to a radiator shop and have them flush the coolers out you want that done before you start it up. This is only necesary of the old trans failed, which it probably is since you are replacing it. This is important, I have seen rebuilt tranny's fail very quickly because of the failure of flushing the coolers it also voids any kinda waranty

[dexetr30]

Also if the old trans failed do a good job of flushing out the trans cooler or take the radiator and cooler to a radiator shop and have them flush the coolers out you want that done before you start it up. This is only necesary of the old trans failed, which it probably is since you are replacing it. This is important, I have seen rebuilt tranny's fail very quickly because of the failure of flushing the coolers it also voids any kinda warranty

Yeah, it failed alright. When I install the new one I'm going to make sure to relocate the breather line. I sucked in some water and burned the fluid along with it. Drained the fluid immediately after and it was pitch black with loads of metal shavings and chunks of clutch material. The trans was getting a bit weak before I decided to take it for a dip but that was the last straw. I flushed the trans completely about 4 times since then but it's time to replace it now. I'm still getting around with it but it's weak and slips quite a bit on real steep hills.

Anyway... the trans cooler flush. 1 or 2, 18 oz. cans? I'm thinking 2 can't hurt.

Oh, and I'm also adding an additional aftermarket trans cooler when I install the new trans. Anyone have a good mounting location for it? I was thinking of something similar to what's in the photo below.
http://www.stu-offroad.com/engine/transcooler/transcool-1.htm