I need a bit of advice on taking the auto-transmission out of a TJ

(1) Do I need the special tools mentioned in the workshop manual for removing the lower ball joints or is there another way to do it ?

(2) I'm going to use a trolley hoist to hold the transmission (coz it's incredibly heavy) and a hydraulic jack underneath to hold the engine. What are the best points to lift the transmission from so it hangs level when pulling it off and putting it back on the engine ?

(3) are there any other special tools I definitely need ?

Hello Mark H.


1. No special tools required if you remove the lower control arm from the sub frame. NOTE: the bolts holding the lower control arm should be only loosened off / or tightened when the weight of the vehicle is on the suspension so as to avoid damaging the pivot bushes.

2. Not sure what the best point is for lifting the transmission but try and have some softwood timber between the trolley jack and the transmission housing so as to spread the contact / load area.

3. Will need a torque wrench, may need a puller or soft hammer to remove the drive shafts from the hubs and a small jimmy bar to prize the drive shaft from the transmission housing.

Cheers

I need a bit of advice on taking the auto-transmission out of a TJ

(1) Do I need the special tools mentioned in the workshop manual for removing the lower ball joints or is there another way to do it ?


There's way to separate the ball joints from the knuckle without tools - once you've removed the split pin and taken the castle nut off, turn the nut over and thread it back onto the ball joint, so that the flat face of the nut is facing up, but there's not any thread showing past the face of the nut. Apply hammer, and separate the joint.