I‘m just pondering the thought of getting a new/used transmission and swapping it with the help of some family (mechanically inclined). The price would be substantially less (more than half the price of getting mine rebuilt). But how difficult would a tranny swap be?
On that particular vehicle, it should be relatively easy, being a rear wheel drive, and a single exhaust vehicle. Exhaust manifold to y-pipe nuts (15mm x 4) Transmission bellhousing bolts (13mm x 6) Transmission inspection cover bolts (13mm x 2) Starter bolts (13mm x 2, and MAYBE a 15mm ground nut) Transmission mount nuts (18mm x 2) Torque converter nuts (15mm x 4)
As long as the replacement is identical to the transmission that is currently in the vehicle, any competent DIY'er should be able to do this in a few hours with the right tools (a good tranny jack helps). A good mechanic shop could do it in about an hour (not including wait time).
Not difficult at all if the transmission are the same model. the mustang will be a cake walk compaired to most other cars. if you have a good place to work and the correct tools it should take less then 4 hours if your working on the ground. Steps that would need to be taken are: Losen and remove the bolts to the drive shaft at the rear axle, and lower the drive shaft for removal. (Do not remove yet) Remove the bolts to the dust cover, and remove the dust cover. Remove the four bolts that fasten the torque converter to the flywheel (A flywheel turner should be used but a Large screw driver may be used){PREMARK the bolts on the flywheel and converter for reinstallation} Remove the transmission cooler lines and cap them off if possible move them out of the way. Disconnect the shift Linkage from the transmission. !!DO NOT LOSE THIS BOLT!! Remove the 6 bolts on the transmission bell housing. Remove any wires from the transmission. Place a transmission jack underneath the transmission and support the transmission with the jack. Remove the transmission cross member and move it out of the way. Remove the drive shalf from the transmission (Transmission fluid loss is normal when the rear shalf is removed) With the use of a rubber malet or a screw driver seperate the transmission from the engine. Slowing working the transmission to the back of the firewall (There are guide pins in the motor block to align the transmission. The transmission must clear these pins before it can be lowered from the car.) Now slowing lower the transmission jack and roll the transmission out from under the car. Reinstallation is the reverse of given instructions. Hope this helps.
