I drive a 95 Ford Escort, the fifth gear has gone out. Right now it seems like the best option I have is rebuilding the transmission. Looking through my repair manual I am finding that there are several tools needed for the job that I do not have. These tools include an engine support bar and a transmission jack. Can I do this job without these tools and if not how much am I looking at paying for the rebuild including these tools if I do the labor myself?
Like mentioned your better off just finding a complete transmission. But if you can afford the rebuild and are willing to do it, go for it, good learning experience. Transmission jack is up to you, on smaller cars I never use any type of jack for the transmission, usually they never weigh that much so I just use my hands and lift them or drop them out from under the car lol. Engine support bar would help, or you can get a good sized wood board and place it on top of a jack then lift up the engine with that jack for support with the wood board between the jack and the engines oil pan. The wooden board will spread the engines weight out evenly so you don't bend or ruin the pan and/or pump. Most of the tools you will need though, like Snap Ring pliers, Ball-join remover, torque wrench (this is very important), etc.
of the dozens of tools need an engine support and jack are LEAST needed,,,, 1 knowlege,,,have you ever seen a transmission appart? OMG why not let a tranny guy do the tranny 2 better yet,,junkyard,,,the whole car isnt worth the price and trouble of a tranny for price of rebuild you can get a whole running 1995 escort my sister got one for 800
if you are not a transmission rebuilder you don t want to tackle this transmission, number one. number 2 its easier to get a naother unit, used rebuilt, whatever, and put it in. You can go to a parts storeand rent the engine supporttruss, but you will need to find a transmission jack. From the voice of expereince, a regular floor jack will not work, and those transaxles are heavier than they look, trust me. To make sure the job is done right, imo, take to a transmission shop. Its moreexpensive, but it will get done faster and better than you ever could.
