03 Silverado 1/2 Ton Trans Removal

[Jeff Finch]

Hey guys, I just joined today. I'm currently in the process of swapping my burnt up 4L60E for a new one, and I was wondering if anyone had tips on getting at the top most bell housing bolts. It's almost done, just need to get to those very annoying ones.  Thanks in advance

[tlaw91]

When you drop the trans way down you can easily get to them from underneath.

OR if you’re doing it on your back in the driveway [emoji51]

Remove the intake manifold and they’re right there! Replace the intake manifold gaskets while you’re in there.

Hope this helps

-Friendly neighborhood GM tech


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[davester]

I typically do them from the rear of the transmission, using a long extension, a "wobble" extension from a impact set (mainly because they just wobble a little, and are pretty stiff so they don't flop all over the place), then the socket.  You may need to drop the tail of the transmission a bit, and I would leave some side bolts in so it's not the last bolt to come out.

 

And don't forget that the transmission will still be on alignment pins, and it can a hassle to get the transmission off them...

[carnau]

See next post.

[carnau]

5 hours ago, Jeff Finch said:

Hey guys, I just joined today. I'm currently in the process of swapping my burnt up 4L60E for a new one, and I was wondering if anyone had tips on getting at the top most bell housing bolts. It's almost done, just need to get to those very annoying ones.  Thanks in advance

If you don't have one of these extensions it will be a little tough. It has a 1/2 to 3/8 so you don't lose as much torque. makes the job 1000000X easier.

 

https://amzn.to/2OocnWF

[carkhz316]

4 hours ago, davester said:

I typically do them from the rear of the transmission, using a long extension, a "wobble" extension from a impact set (mainly because they just wobble a little, and are pretty stiff so they don't flop all over the place), then the socket.  You may need to drop the tail of the transmission a bit, and I would leave some side bolts in so it's not the last bolt to come out.

 

And don't forget that the transmission will still be on alignment pins, and it can a hassle to get the transmission off them...

This^ 

 

I've been doing a bunch in recent years, for some reason, that I have can drive a truck in and out of my garage after swapping in a new trans (on jackstands, on my back) in about 6-7 hours on a half-ton Chevy, and that's with 4WD too. Anyway, the 3ft+ extension, preferably with a wobble end, is crucial. I alternate between a wobble extension, and swivel sockets, depending on the bolt position and angle of attack.

1 hour ago, carnau said:

If you don't have one of these extensions it will be a little tough. It has a 1/2 to 3/8 so you don't lose as much torque. makes the job 1000000X easier.

 

https://amzn.to/2OocnWF

Great extension, but that adapter on the end won't fit the 10, 12, and 2 oclock bolt positions, unfortunately. A short socket on a wobble end, or a swivel socket works best. 

[carnau]

1 hour ago, carkhz316 said:

This^ 

 

I've been doing a bunch in recent years, for some reason, that I have can drive a truck in and out of my garage after swapping in a new trans (on jackstands, on my back) in about 6-7 hours on a half-ton Chevy, and that's with 4WD too. Anyway, the 3ft+ extension, preferably with a wobble end, is crucial. I alternate between a wobble extension, and swivel sockets, depending on the bolt position and angle of attack.

Great extension, but that adapter on the end won't fit the 10, 12, and 2 oclock bolt positions, unfortunately. A short socket on a wobble end, or a swivel socket works best. 

I have absolutely no problem reaching those positions with this extension. Once the cross member is loose lower the trans down enough to get you a semi-deep 13mm to remove the brackets and dipstick, and a semi-deep 15mm to remove the bolts. This is all I have ever used and works perfect for me.

[carkhz316]

You're lucky then, as I've never been able to get an adapter or half drive socket to fit in the space, always a 3/8 only it seems.

[carnau]

On 2/2/2020 at 9:46 PM, carkhz316 said:

You're lucky then, as I've never been able to get an adapter or half drive socket to fit in the space, always a 3/8 only it seems.

It is a 3/8. Its a 1/2 where you hook your ratchet or impact and 3/8  where you put your socket. That's why it will work.

[sefiroxx]

Ditto on wobble

Probably one of the best $4 addition to my sucker set up..