The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Diy tranny lift

Got my clutch in the 59 but my idea for the trans lift hit the cross member before I was even in the pilot bushing... That 4sp is just too heavy to try to manhandle by myself.... Anyone diy one for their floor jack.... Just didn't want to throw the bucks at a store bought one if I can help it...any ideas?

Take the transmission hump section out of the floor. Usually held in with screws. Get two 4x4 lengths of wood that will sit secure on the floor board. Get two heavy ratchet tie downs straps and wrap them around the transmission and 4x4's and ratchet away until you can line up the transmission shaft with the pilot bushing in the crankshaft. Then shove the transmission home making sure you line up the locating pins on the bell housing.

Tim

Easier than ratchet straps is a shop crane stuck through the passenger door frame.

I use an 8 foot 4X4 through the cab windows(doors open) and a cable come-along. It works better with the shift handle removed. On a 3 speed, just manhandle it- - - -not that heavy!
Jerry

hmmm... Very interesting..txs for the input..maybe Been thinking bassackworth...a lift through the window would be great but no lift and worse yet no shop... One question..HRL why doors open?

I have a roll around low scissors jack. I made a wooden seat that fits around the bottom and sides of the transmission. I just strap it on and use the jack for removal and installation.

I never think to bring all the tools I need into the cab with me! No fun climbing in and out of the windows!
Jerry

Yes sir... I got it right after I posted...long weekend. Thank you

I built a wooden cradle for my t5 then used my motorcycle jack. Slick.

This is a store bought one from HF that isn't too expensive. I think that I bought mine for $75 with a 25% coupon. Works great on the SM420 on my '57.

http://www.harborfreight.com/450-lb-low-lift-transmission-jack-61232.html

It is make it easy to slide the tranny out of the way and then to spear the shaft into the pilot bushing when reassembling. The adjuster on the scissor lift lets you precisely adjust the shaft to the pilot bushing. Makes removing and installing an easy one man job.

The only problem with it is that the tranny is so tall that you have to jack one side of the truck up very high to roll the transmission out from under the truck if you want to work on it.

Matt

I used to use a roller skate and scissors jack
when I was young and broke.

Ed

I manhandled my 4 speed into place, once. Not again! Hey Jerry, if you had a panel you could sneak out the back to get your tools.

Ty Matt..looked at that one... Think I'm gonna do a mini sawhorse with the comelong on top and the jack under to get the pitch right... Yes sir I know all too well about getting that tranny from under the truck!!! If this doesn't do it straight to HF txs

Trannys in !!!! Txs to all you gentlemen with your ideas...this old girl is almost ready for paint. mazie

Great job!!

I'm late to the party as usual but Cletis has nailed it. Due to a lack of room in my garage I actually took my engine lift through the drivers side door! First I pushed the transmission on a creeper to the rough position underneath the truck. I then fashioned two straps to cradle the trans., lifted, and with pilot pins in the top two holes of the bellhousing the put back was incredibly easy.