Yes, you can do the transmission without removing the engine. The easiest way I've found is to support the engine from above with a hoist or a support bar and remove the entire cradle. Then you can use a transmission jack and drop the tranny off the back of the engine. This method allows you to avoid disconnecting any of the engine lines or wires. ------------------
How would you support an engine in a car but without the cradle? What am I missing? I am not looking in an engine bay right now.
Also, are all stock automatic trans in Fiero's 3 speeds
I have also looked at TODDSTERS how to for removing an engine. How much of it applies to just getting out a trans and replacing it.
I think if you were to use that method what the comment suggests is that you use an engine hoist bolted to the top of the engine to hold it up while you remove the cradle. Personally I would not depend on hydraulics to hold something up while you work underneath.
Yes, all Fiero stock auto trans are three speed TH125.
I once did that by using a length of 4x4 and a couple of cables. can be done, but all the engines/trans I've done Since, have been by just "draining the fluids" and dropping the cradle. another 15 minutes and SOOO Much easier.
About two years age I did a 4T60 swap. My initial intention was to do the swap without removing the engine. What a pita, ended up dropping the cradle engine and all. In hind sight, I was a fool attempting to remove the transmission without dropping the engine. There is only a few Moe steps to drop the cradle with engine.
With a transmission swap it just make sense to drop everything. I found it was beneficial for the swap with installing new mounts and ensure proper alignment of transmission and engine to cradle.
I/
[This message has been edited by Cajun (edited 06-09-2017).]
So dropping the engine/cradle is pretty much the consensus.
BTW, is there a way to test a transmission out of a car before installing it. I know I can't do it but I have 2 available transnissions but no knowledge of the history of the cars. Only that one has about 58,000 miles on the odometer.
What a pain this is going to be. The only reason I am doing it is because I must. It is not a situation like I want a better trans. This one wont shift into gear, forward or reverse. seems like nothing inside the trans is moving, the lever moves full range. from what can be observed outside the trans.
I have done it without removing the engine, but it was painful with the automatic. Used a tool my buddy made similar to the standard tool above and hooked that to the engine. Dropped the cradle and transmission together. Was a pain because it was an auto and heavier. My buddy Matt does the manual by pulling it out the side...
Was a pain because it was an auto and heavier. My buddy Matt does the manual by pulling it out the side...
I was thinking I could pull it out the side also. I was at Harbor Freight yesterday looking at transmission jacks. Then it dawned on me those are not so much for a trans-axle. The other thing I have realized is that I have not done my due diligence on diagnosing the problem. I really need to first take a look at the filter and the TCC solenoid. Ignorance can cause you to do drastic things that are not necessary.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
