5-speed swap beginning tomorrow - any hot tips?

[jimk]

I haven't found it in any of the books, but the drivers side shift platform attachment bolt hole is drilled thru into the case.  You can discover this if the trans is filled prior to install and raise the front, oil will drain out that hole.  Use thread sealant on the bolt when the shift platform is installed.  The rear of the trans will have a lot less oil on it later in life.

[MattL]

Looks like I need to pick up some taller stands. 
 

?

[MattL]

Or am I going about this wrong?

[Henning]

10 minutes ago, MattL said:

Looks like I need to pick up some taller stands. 
 

?

 

...or switch plans and get a glass cabinet for that clean beauty!

How are you going to fix the rear transverse mounts to the tunnel? Weld or bolt? In any case you should remove the sound deadener on the tunnel. Not such an easy job to remove the one-piece carpet out of a squarie if your car is one.

 

hen

 

[MattL]

14 minutes ago, Henning said:

 

...or switch plans and get a glass cabinet for that clean beauty!

How are you going to fix the rear transverse mounts to the tunnel? Weld or bolt? In any case you should remove the sound deadener on the tunnel. Not such an easy job to remove the one-piece carpet out of a squarie if your car is one.

 

hen

 

I had actually JUST put my carpet back in after putting in new sound deadening mat and rubber insulation when I saw this cracked but repaired transmission from Resra. Couldn’t pass up the deal, but I do NOT want to take out the carpet again unless I’m forced to. So, I opted for the horseshoe bracket that uses the existing mounts. 

[jimk]

Another harassing moment is when all is in and you discover the reversing light wiring has to reach the switch on the trans top now.

[arminyack]

I dont know if anyone has said this yet, but the 245 might not sit exactly center in the transmission tunnel .You might see it sit towards the drivers side a bit. You can get a it a adjustment by loosening your motor mounts, and prying things around, but dont sweat it to much.

[MattL]

This is all great stuff, guys. Exactly what I was hoping for; thank you. I'm off to Harbor Freight to get a pair of taller stands. 

[jgerock]

I’ve done this twice in my little garage using jack stands and that same tranny jack.  I put tranny on cardboard on floor, then slide it under car, then pick up and put on tranny Jack.  I’ve since purchased two higher (taller) stands.

[jgerock]

Please put the throw out bearing, cross bar and retaining spring inside the bell housing before going any further- and extend the stock reverse light wiring harness.  

[Son of Marty]

Remove the dizzy cap it can bump the firewall when you are moving the engine during the install.

[MattL]

Well, I didn’t get as far along as I had hoped before having to return to family duties, but I’m on my way. The car is up, and I’ve started disconnecting stuff. I’ll continue tomorrow night, if I have the energy. 
 

Thanks for all the pointers, everyone. I’m grateful, and will follow your advice. 

[JAS]

Put zip ties or twist ties on the outward loops of the retaining spring before installing the tranny - when fighting to install my 5 speed I kept bumping the spring back into the housing (I was getting very frustrated...there was a lot of swearing)

 

Have the same jack. Place something non-slippery on the top of it before adding tranny - if not, metal on metal can be rather slippery, especially when you are fighting to line the tranny up with the motor. Note, having a 5 speed land on your outstretched arm hurts! Just saying.

Edited April 27, 2020 by JAS

[Robert Kyle]

Change rear main seal. 

 

Pilot shaft bearing 

[arminyack]

Oh yeah slap in a newshift rod seal before you install! Don't bother to take the old one out, you can stack like up to 3 in their! Totally worth doing, even if you don't see any leaks right now.