Removing Transmission

[randy ransome]

Hey folks, Happy Memorial Day.

I've screwed up my third gear synchronizer, now I need to pull the transmission in my 91 ZR-1.

Looking for encouragement.

I have access to a lift at my brother's shop but he's trying to run a business, I may be in the way there; ideally, if it that's where I need to be, tell me.
I'm also not as young (61) as the last time I pulled one, about 20 years ago.
Now that I'm retired I thought why not, I've got plenty of time, from what I've read it looks fairly simple.

Any tips would be appreciated. If I have to do this at home on jack stands how high does it need to be?

I think a small pump up session from you cats will be just enough to push me into doing this myself.

Thanks also to ALL that have Served to protect this Great Country.

:proud:

[ZZZZZR1]

Randy,

Here is a link from Zfdoc:

http://www.zfdoc.com/transmission.htm

Great info from Bill Boudreau!

Good luck

Cheers

David

[pantera1683]

Hey folks, Happy Memorial Day.

I've screwed up my third gear synchronizer, now I need to pull the transmission in my 91 ZR-1.

Looking for encouragement.

I have access to a lift at my brother's shop but he's trying to run a business, I may be in the way there; ideally, if it that's where I need to be, tell me.
I'm also not as young (61) as the last time I pulled one, about 20 years ago.
Now that I'm retired I thought why not, I've got plenty of time, from what I've read it looks fairly simple.

Any tips would be appreciated. If I have to do this at home on jack stands how high does it need to be?

I think a small pump up session from you cats will be just enough to push me into doing this myself.

Thanks also to ALL that have Served to protect this Great Country.

:proud:

I removed and reinstalled mine a few years ago to change my clutch. As I recall, it was very easy and only took a few hours and that was with me on my back in my driveway. I only needed help from my neighbor to line up the tranny during the installation because that ZF is one heavy tranny. I wish I had had access to a lift, it would have been even easier.

[Demps]

Randy,
Pretty straightforward. I'm about to do the same except to ditch the Carolina stage 2 & LT4 pressure plate. You can do it easily. I've only done it on a 4-post with tranny jack--but by myself.

Doing a clutch while you're in there?

TTPs: add beam plates if not already, have some tyranny fluid, don't over tighten trans shaft bolts, check u-joints, remember short shifter while tranny out of car, watch MAP sensor if you tilt engine, align c-beam correctly on reinstall, exhaust clamps don't always appreciate multiple cycles.

Ted

[Dynomite]

I would get a Transmission Jack which makes Transmission removal and installation/alignment a lot easier.

ZR-1 Transmission Install and Lift Tricks (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-2.html#post1581472079)

Good time to install C4 Beam Plates (http://www.zfdoc.com/c4beamplate.htm)

[tpr60]

Did it last weekend on my buds car, I have a two post lift and trans jack makes it a lot easier on a 68 year old. Use your brothers shop you will glad you did.

[Bob Eyres]

Did it last weekend on my buds car, I have a two post lift and trans jack makes it a lot easier on a 68 year old. Use your brothers shop you will glad you did.

I agree, trans jack and a lift for easy access. That thing is a bear to lift by yourself (160lbs.). Years ago I did it several times on my back with jack stands and hand tools.

While you're in there, it would be smart to take a look at the clutch. Maybe replace the disc if it's worn. Bleed slave cylinder, and replace clutch fluid. That may be part of the reason why your syncro went away in the first place.

At 61', make it as easy as possible on yourself. At 69' I won't be doing it again. :cheers:

[ZRXMAX]

Since I do it on the floor I use a custom bracket I fabbed up that bolts to an extra floor jack I have. I pull 2 bolts out of the trans that bolt the cases together close to the middle of the trans. Once on the floor jack it balances almost perfectly and makes wiggling the trans around to get the splines lined up pretty easy. The car needs to be pretty high to get the shifter to clear when it is sitting on the jack. I put the bottom of the bell housing at a height of about 21 inches. I also use the big jack stands to stability and safety. Once the trans is in position to lift the ease of fitting it into the bell housing is a snap. Hopefully you have a spline line up tool just in case its needed.

It is just about that time again to replace the clutch so it won't be long for me either.

Good luck !

[tccrab]

Been there, done that, and I also wrote a detailed write up on the removal:
http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5351

The one piece of advice I stand firmly behind, call Bill B. and order up a set of C-Beam plates.
Trust me.
You will thank me later after you re-install the transmission and the C-Beam.

good luck!!

'Crabs

[We Gone]

Good luck Randy, wish I was closer so I could give you a hand.

[Tyler Townsley]

Take out one of the transmission bolts and go to a hardware store and buy 2 bolts at least 2-3 in longer and cut off the heads. When go to reinstall put these bolts in the top of the bell housing. Use them like 2 rails, you can use them to get the trans in place and see if you are parallel when you push the trans in place, Another trick is if it hangs on the pilot bushing just put in the clutch, this allows you to wiggle the trans and clutch to get the alignment correct. Once you get up tight remove the bolts and put in the stock bolts.

Tyler