Solo tranny install?

[shadango]

AM I nuts?

My tranny should be done this week and that leaves installing it.

Am I nuts for considering trying to install myself?  This is my first tranny install, though I did help with one once before.....we useda reg. floor jack and it was a pain but doable.

Thinking that with the right jack I migh tbe ok by myself...

I am thinking about this jack......

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39178

I have a motorcycle jack that I could make work as far as lifting but it wont tilt, etc like this one says it does....

Thoughts?

[73challenger_TN]

We have that same jack. It's well worth it!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

i have t the jack too. make sure you have tall jack stands to get everything underneath.

[shadango]

Cool!  My local store has it and wants $79!  Plus I have a $10 coupon.

So..for $70 , a bargain if it really helps!

I was just worried it wouldnt be big enough capacity wise, as teh ad says "for small cars".....LOL

But if you are using it and it works, I'm in!

With the jack, is doing this solo possible in your opinion?

[shadango]

i have t the jack too. make sure you have tall jack stands to get everything underneath.

The car is up on stands now...but of course my tall stands are in the back...so will have to swap front to back......   LOL


I see this jack has a "v" shape where the tranny sits....how does that work with the pan etc?  The next jack up (800 lb) has a different setup....

[Moparal]

4 stands and up high would be better. Also you may consider pushing your tires up under the car on the floor incase the stands slip if you are by yourself. it helps as a safety.  Installing the trans yourself is not hard, but useing the right equipment and having it a good height is important. Makes the job go easier.

Just have a plan and work through it.

jack stands
safety plan
drain pan and rags
tools
and a way to contact someone if you get trapped or stuck.  like a cell phone or portable phone. And make sure someone knows you are doing the job by yourself if you get in a perdicument

I also like useing 2 floor jacks. I use one for a safety

[tactransman]

4 stands and up high would be better. Also you may consider pushing your tires up under the car on the floor incase the stands slip if you are by yourself. it helps as a safety.  Installing the trans yourself is not hard, but useing the right equipment and having it a good height is important. Makes the job go easier.

Just have a plan and work through it.

jack stands
safety plan
drain pan and rags
tools
and a way to contact someone if you get trapped or stuck.  like a cell phone or portable phone. And make sure someone knows you are doing the job by yourself if you get in a perdicument

I also like useing 2 floor jacks. I use one for a safety

  All good advice Al! That jack is fine for a 1-2 time use like you will be using it.

[tactransman]

Oh... and the converter only bolts up one way to the flexplate.

[71chally416]

I put a cast-iron Powerglide in a '55 Chevy station wagon by my self with nothing but a little floor jack in the dirt in my back yard when I was like 15YO. I think a grown man can install a 727 with a tranny jack. 

[Purple73Cuda]

I have the same trans. jack. My only complaint is it is tough to tilt, once the trans. is on it.

[shadango]

Thanks guys!   All great advice...and Terry thanks for the picture! It will help!

Any other tips or hints to make this go easy?

The service manual suggests using a c-clamp to help hold the converter in place during assembly.....sounds easy enough...that was my only major concern, after hearing that you can install the tranny and still have the converter not seated properly.

I got the call a little while ago -- my trans is ready to pickup! 

[6packCuda]

I used this jack. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3185 It was $120, but it was well worth it. You can tilt the tranny front to back and side to side with this one and it holds the tranny much better than it looks like that other one would. I installed my 727 in about 30 minutes with this jack. Best money I ever spent.

[tactransman]

I used this jack. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3185 It was $120, but it was well worth it. You can tilt the tranny front to back and side to side with this one and it holds the tranny much better than it looks like that other one would. I installed my 727 in about 30 minutes with this jack. Best money I ever spent.

Yes,that one is ALOT nicer. 

[gkring]

You guys are spoiled. I did many a trans/convertor swaps on my header equipped big block cuda on my back, regular jack and jack stands. Nothing like taking the trans loose and turning it sideways to get it past the headers. Not the smartest thing, but trying to start a trans while it is balanced on your knees while you are on your back is a learning experience as well. Now I try to find a lift whenever possible.

[bb71challenger]

I must be nutty but since I have a cherry picker I have always just yanked the engine out and installed the trans where it is easiest, on the ground. Then its just a yank and a crank to put it back in. Of course I never had a firewall I was worried about scratching either.