Getting the tranny up myself (need tips please)

[4gfun]

I am planning to put my tranny back up this weekend after replacing the tb/clutch/flywheel.

I would like some hints for doing this on my own. I am not really that strong at all. I do however have a tranny jack. I figure that all I have to do is heave it up a few inches from the jack to get it in but I am worried about clearance etc. I don't think that tranny jacks are designed to get it right in there for you so I am beginning to wonder what purpose they serve if at all?

Any pointers there?

Also, can someone tell me which bolts I need to get in first? If I can get a few of the bolts in, then I can run over to the hardware store and get the rest at my leisure (if there is such a thing). Below is the pic from the VFAQ if you all could point out bolt numbers that would need to go up first to hold the tranny in place I would be very thankful. Thanks!

 

[talonman2011]

HI there will i just did tranny in my tsi are you doing it on the floor or do you have a hoist. if on the floor you will need 2 people and about a hour of it being a pain in the ass and a 3rd person up top make sure stuff ante in the way its a but of a pain but it will go good luck

 

[BrokenTsi]

The transmission will hold itself in place without any bolts at all. The most important thing you need to make note of, are the dowel pins. There are 2 dowel pins in the engine block that keep the transmission lined up when its bolted down. They can pop out, so make sure you find them and put them back in with a rubber mallet. Dont forget about the 8mm bolt on the back of the transmission that goes thru the block first. Its very important.

The transmission almost nevers goes straight up and in. You'll have to put it up at an angle and fight with it. I use an engine hoist to get mine off the ground, and then I get on my back and push it on.

Also, I would advise against hardware from the hardware store. If you can, go to the junkyard and get the right ones.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

+1 You really don't want hardware store bolts, you need the right ones. Unless you don't mind your bellhousing peeling like a spiraled lemon zest.

 

[4gfun]

Great information, thank you all very much so far. I am doing this on the ground. I have the tranny jack though. Is the tranny jack useless? I suspect that it will be but if you all could clarify I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[BrokenTsi]

Ive done it with a floor jack before, but it required an extra set of hands to steady it while I jacked it up. Try to find a friend to help out.

This reminded me of something funny. I used to take a pair of jumper cables and wrap it around the transmission. Then I had a friend lift the transmission while I was on the ground pushing it up. He would hold it long enough for me to get under it completely and push it onto the engine. We got so good at it, I could install a transmission in like 30 seconds.

 

[Tyeler18]

^^ We use tow straps and someone laying on their back. It works but it's still a PITA. Just did a clutch on a 1g thursday night, 2g get's one done today or tomorrow. It'll be my 3rd dsm clutch install and boy is that tranny a PITA.

 

[donniekak]

I usually just lean over the fender, pull it up, and stab it on. Takes about 30 seconds. I've done it this way at least 50 times. I guess being 220lbs has advantages.

 

[4gfun]

Lol, I am hiring you. Well no one around to help me...I'll try my best on the tranny jack it is fully adjustable. I'll report back soon.

Thanks all.

I usually just lean over the fender, pull it up, and stab it on. Takes about 30 seconds. I've done it this way at least 50 times. I guess being 220lbs has advantages.

Ok, so the tranny is up...the jack served as a decent tool for a one man job. I had an issue at first where the dowels lined up but I couldn't get them in any further.

I played with the jack a little bit, took another look, and suddenly the dowels were completely in contact with the block.

I have a new concern (I am sure that everyone has the same one). How do I know that the input shaft splines are exactly where they are supposed to be? I lined up the clutch/pp/flywheel with the tool. I am terrified that I crushed the splines or something.

Is there any way to find out whether or not I did without putting everything back together?

Also, what is the end of the fork supposed to feel like? It feels slack until it makes contact....probably a dumb question but whatever.

 

[i3oi3c78]

I've done this by myself, I to just learn over the fender and lift it up, then kick the jack under the transmission. Make sure its on there, then you can let go if the tranny and start jacking it up high enough to wiggle it in to place. easy as that. I'm only 170lbs. But the trans. doesn't weigh that much.....

 

[rlacasse1]

You are not going to crush the splines on your own. If you put the tranny in place and pushed against it and it slid up against the engine then all is well, good job.

Yes, there will be some slack or play in the fork. The play that you are feeling is just the TOB being able to slide away from the pressure plate, that is fine, it happens. Once you have the slave cylinder and rod in place it won't do that though.

So far it sounds like you have everything correct and are doing a good job.

 

[4gfun]

well true it is no T-56 . The vehicle is already up on SUV jack stands to allow plenty of clearance. I am far too short to try and lean over the fender. Sounds kind of like the technique that I use. I used feet legs etc to leverage everything as well.

I've done this by myself, I to just learn over the fender and lift it up, then kick the jack under the transmission. Make sure its on there, then you can let go if the tranny and start jacking it up high enough to wiggle it in to place. easy as that. I'm only 170lbs. But the trans. doesn't weigh that much.....

Thanks for the encouragement. I am happy to know that I didn't crush the splines. I used a fair amount of marine grease in there...enough to cover the splines and the valleys in between. I hope that I didn't use too much and have it get on the clutch and flywheel! WTF

You are not going to crush the splines on your own. If you put the tranny in place and pushed against it and it slid up against the engine then all is well, good job.

Yes, there will be some slack or play in the fork. The play that you are feeling is just the TOB being able to slide away from the pressure plate, that is fine, it happens. Once you have the slave cylinder and rod in place it won't do that though.

So far it sounds like you have everything correct and are doing a good job.

 

[ramsack]

Trans jacks were made more for RWD trannies, and mainly to just hold them up to get it to a close position so you can focus strength on getting it lined up rather than both holding it up and lining it up manually. They still work better than balancing a transaxle on a floor jack. It sounds like you did it. Once you do something like that it becomes easier in the future. Like riding a bike, you never forget.

 

[rlacasse1]

I've never used grease on the splines, but hey if works then awesome. But yeah, hopefully you didn't use to much to where it start causing a slip.

 

[4gfun]

Thank you....this is a youtube link to the 130 buck tranny jack that I used. I still can't get the other end of the chain to connect. Just so you know it can be done with this. Thanks for letting me know what tranny jacks are generally for.

YouTube - New Transmission Jack

Trans jacks were made more for RWD trannies, and mainly to just hold them up to get it to a close position so you can focus strength on getting it lined up rather than both holding it up and lining it up manually. They still work better than balancing a transaxle on a floor jack. It sounds like you did it. Once you do something like that it becomes easier in the future. Like riding a bike, you never forget.

 

[BrokenTsi]

Just wiggle the trans until its just about flush with the block. Sometimes pushing up on the end case of the trans will help it slide right on. Now start putting it back together.