1993 Ford Explorer Swaping the Tranny

GREASEMONKEY17

MEMBER
1993 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I bought this car with the intention of replacing the transmission and selling it to make money. The only problem is I didn't think changing a tranny was going to be as chalenging as it is. I can't seem to get to many of the bolts on teh top of the bell housing. Any suggestions?

2 Replies

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

Removal (Aerostar, Explorer & Ranger)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Loosen oil pan bolts, allowing fluid to drain. When fluid stops draining, remove all but 2 bolts at front of oil pan. Allow oil pan to drop downward. Drain remaining fluid. Reinstall bolts to hold oil pan in place.
NOTE:On Explorer models, it may be necessary to pry lower clips on transmission heat shield back slightly for access to oil pan bolts.

Remove torque converter access cover. Remove starter motor. Remove torque converter-to-drive plate retaining nuts. Rotate engine clockwise (viewed from front of engine) for access to retaining nuts.
CAUTION:On 2.3L, DO NOT rotate engine counterclockwise (viewed from front of engine) or engine damage may result.

Mark drive shaft and axle flange or yoke for reassembly reference. Remove drive shaft. Disconnect speedometer cable, vacuum hoses, electrical connections, and shift cable at transmission.
Disconnect kickdown cable from ball stud lever. Press tabs on kickdown cable, and disengage cable from bracket. Using floor jack, raise transmission slightly.
Remove transmission mount-to-crossmember nuts. Remove crossmember. Lower floor jack, allowing transmission to hang downward.
On Explorer and Ranger models, use floor jack and a piece of wood to raise front of engine slightly. This must be done for access to upper transmission-to-cylinder block bolts.
On all models, disconnect oil cooler lines at transmission. Plug all oil cooler line openings. Remove lower transmission-to-cylinder block bolts. Remove transmission filler tube.
Secure transmission to floor jack with safety chain. Remove upper transmission-to-cylinder block bolts. Move transmission rearward and lower from vehicle.
NOTE:If transmission is to be removed for a long period of time, support engine with safety stand and a wooden block.

Installation (Aerostar, Explorer & Ranger)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure torque converter is fully seated. Align reference marks on drive shaft and axle flange. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See appropriate TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Fill transmission with Motorcraft Mercon ATF (XT-2-QDX). For fluid capacity and control cable adjustment, see appropriate TRANSMISSION SERVICING article.