1996 Ford Ranger Trans Top Bolts Access Fix

1996 FORD RANGER
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GASOLINEALLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
1996 Ford Ranger 2.3 4cyl. I know this may sound like a amatuer, but I can't for the life of me get to the 2 TOP bolts holding the transmission to the engine so that I may replace the clutch slave cylinder. I've tried every angle with extension bars, lowering and raising the transmission and engine. I'm at a loss. Any tricks that I don't know about.
Feb 19, 2006 at 7:39 AM
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GODBEAR839
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 77 POSTS
Leave the engine on the engine mounts. Drop the rear of the transmission down and support it with a jack when you get it most of the way down you should be able to reach up from underneath with a wrench and get a bite to turn them. You can also get at them from above if you jack the back of the transmission up until it touches the floor boards (or almost) but it is easier form below. You can also (once it's removed) use a hammer to bend back the firewall right there to make things a bit easier for you Just don't hammer it forward as it will cut your hands when you reinstall.
Feb 20, 2006 at 2:24 AM
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Suggested Repair

Leave the engine on its mounts. Lower the rear of the transmission and support it with a jack, then reach up from underneath with a wrench to turn the two top bolts. Access from above is possible if the transmission is raised nearly to the floorboards, but working from below is easier. After removal, the firewall can be carefully bent back in that area for clearance; do not bend it forward, or it can cut hands during reinstall.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Ford Ranger 2.3 could not reach the two top bolts holding the transmission to the engine while replacing the clutch slave cylinder, despite using extensions and raising and lowering the transmission and engine. The expert advised leaving the engine on its mounts, lowering the rear of the transmission onto a jack, and turning the bolts from underneath. Raising the transmission toward the floorboards is another option, but access from below is easier. After the transmission is out, the firewall can be bent back slightly for clearance, but not forward.

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