I am planning on installing a new converter in the truck tomorrow. What all will I have to remove besides the tranny itself? Approximately how much oil will I need to buy? Any tips from those who have installed one themselves would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

About 16q of trans fluid for a tranny r&r with the 4x4 pan.
Dropping the exhaust at the headers will help. Truck on a lift with a trans jack is nice. I've done it twice, have fun.

Mike

 

Put about a quart of fluid in the new converter before you install it.

Drop the whole exhaust down in one piece from after the manifolds back. Its heavy that way, and you'll need someone to help, but its easier. Dont forget to unplug all FOUR oxygen sensors before you drop the exhaust. Two of them at the manifolds and two of them are toward the rear of the trans.

Mark the orientation of the driveshaft on the rear end BEFORE you remove it! When you go to install the driveshaft, line up the marks. Also, use locktite on the bolts holding the driveshaft inplace.

Its easier to get to the top two(of three) starter bolts from the top. Go straight through the passenger side wheel well. Also, remove the small bolt holding the dipstick tube inplace on the passenger side cyl. head. You can get to that through the wheel well too.

There are seven (7) bolts holding the bellhousing to the motor. 3 on the drivers side, 2 on the passenger side, and 2 on the very top. The 5 on the sides will come out relatively easy. For the top two, drop the back of the trans down(while its on the jack) until to can get a good look at the top two bolts. Use about 26"-30" of extensions and remove the bolts with your ratchet back by the tailshaft. There is a bracket on one of the top bolts that holds two fuel lines inplace, DONT FORGET TO REINSTALL THAT BRACKET.

Hope this helps.

If I can think of anything else usefull, I'll post it for you.

Jason