Removal

Special Tools:

CAUTION: Whenever a transmission has been disassembled to replace worn or damaged parts the transmission fluid cooler tubes must be cleaned and backflushed. Use a suitable torque converter/fluid cooler cleaner. The Oil-To-Air (OTA) cooler must also be replaced.

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transmission, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material may have been carried into the torque converter and fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transmission troubles and must be removed from the system before the transmission is put back into service.

Note: After transmission is removed for a major overhaul, it is important to completely clean all transmission components, including torque converter, oil-to-air cooler, cooler inlet tube, main control valve body, clutches and all coasting booster valve shuttle balls after any transmission service that generates contamination. These contaminants are a major cause for recurring transmission concerns and must be removed from the system before the transmission is returned to service.

The cleaning of debris from the direct clutch check ball is often omitted. This omission can lead to a repeat servicing of the transmission.
The oil-to-air cooler must be replaced under the following conditions;
^ Evidence of transmission assembly or fluid contamination is found due to the following transmission or converter failure modes:
- major metallic failure
- multiple clutches or clutch plate failures
- sufficient component wear which results in metallic contamination.
1. Place the transmission range selector lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Deactivate the air suspension
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.





5. Disconnect the transmission harness electrical connector.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
6. If transmission disassembly is required, drain the transmission fluid.





7. Note: To maintain the initial driveshaft balance, mark the REAR driveshaft yoke and the axle companion flange so they may be installed in their original positions.

Remove the driveshaft.
^ Remove the four bolts.





8. Separate the driveshaft from the transmission.





9. Remove the transmission inspection cover.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the bolt.
3. Remove the inspection cover.





10. Remove the four nuts retaining the torque converter.
^ Rotate the crankshaft to access all the nuts.





11. Remove the starter.
1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
2. Remove the bolts.
3. Remove the starter.





12. Disconnect the transmission shift linkage.





13. Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler tubes.





14. Disconnect the Heated Oxygen (H02S) sensor electrical connectors.
15. Position the High-Lift Jack under the transmission.





16. Remove the nuts.





17. Remove the transmission crossmember bolts and the transmission crossmember.





18. Remove the transmission mount.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the transmission mount.
19. Remove the dual converter Y pipe.





20. Remove the bolts.





21. WARNING: The torque converter is heavy and may result in injury if it falls out of the transmission. Secure the torque converter in the transmission.

Install Torque Converter Holding Tool.





22. Remove the bolt from the back of the RH cylinder head.





23. Remove the fluid fill tube.
24. Lower the transmission from the vehicle. Carry out transmission fluid cooler tubes backflushing and cleaning.