Dropping the trans...pointers?

[Tercel__jon]

Hey guys. Im getting ready to drop the trans and take it to a shop to have it fixed.

Anything special about getting it out? I did a search and someone said you have to remove the input shaft to get the trans out? That doesnt sound right...

[Highlander]

AFAIK, since I haven't done this, removing the input shaft makes it easier to drop the trans because the tranny tunnel doesn't interfere as much (you don't have to pull the tranny back as far before you start to drop it). Never done it, never been there,others have and I'm sure they'll chime in.

[xirdneh]

you do not have to remove input shaft
but if you do it will be easier
sometimes it does not come out easily
definately easier to reinstall tranny with it removed

[Petros]

I have pulled and reinstalled this trans perhaps nine times on my various Tercels, and never found it necessary, I did not want the extra work of pulling and reinstalling the input shaft (and risk getting dirt and grit in the trans). Only once did I have any assistance, so it is not bad to do by yourself. I know of some who say it makes it easier, but I do not see how an extra step is helpful. One time I was helping another list member and for some reason the trans hung up on the tunnel, like the tunnel was 2 inches smaller, but we could not find the reason why (we even unbolted the front mounts to allow a better angle). So it might have helped in that one case.

[Tercel__jon]

Thanks petros. I have help coming tomorrow and hopefully itll be on the ground before I go to work @ 2. Its just hanging there right now, the crossmember is still attached, just loose, as is the lower two bolts that hold the trans to the motor.

Removing the driveshaft is pretty straight forward right? unbolt from the rear diff and slide it out?

Also...I found something when I was undoing things under there. The tube that goes to the cat. runs forward to something that is round. What is that supposed to be? I removed it cause the hose that comes out of the other side of the ball thing, was just laying on the front crossmember and I couldnt see where it would hook up. Are these cars supposed to have a smog pump kinda thing? Cause the only accessories I have are water pump, alternator and the AC pump which is being removed.

Edit: found that ball thing... http://tercel4wd.com/fsm/1985_Manual00115im.jpg

Im going cat-less anyway so oh well.

[ARCHINSTL]

The driveshaft is removed by the 4 rear bolts at the diff and the center bearing mount bolts. Note that the rear bolts can be easily rounded - be prepared to replace them. They are also awkward to remove without a crowfoot wrench. Be sure to mark the position of the shaft flange relative to the diff flange.
If you haven't drained it - when the shaft is removed, oil will pour from the trans tailshaft housing.
Tom M.

[Tercel__jon]

Its out! awaiting a pressure wash.

Apparently the drivers side front axle had a bad seal...gear oil everywhere.

For the driveshaft we simply unbolted the center bearing and that allowed the yoke to slide out of the trans.

Getting it all back together is gonna be fun.