It's a Harbor Freight Hydraulic cart. This one is the 500lb version. I use it to get heavy stuff into my SUV for transport. It's great for working on the car. The only problem is the handle is higher than the lift surface, so under the car, I remove the handle and just leave it loose (the handle has the lift release lever attached). I'm using it now to remove the transmission. Should have it out by Thursday.

 

Well, I'm having loads of fun at this point. Transmission is out as well as the rear end. I decided to install a new A drum in the tranny since it's out. Rear main seal to do. I will also be removing the timing chain cover to check the primary tensioners and replace the gasket to stop a leak. This wouldn't be so bad if the temp in the Northeast wasn't hovering around 20f.

 

Does anyone know how to get the main rear seal out without using the official seal remover tool 303-538?

 

Ok, new questions. This has turned into a monumental tear down. Rear main seal is replaced. Here's a picture of the front of the differential. It seems to be weeping. Does the seal need to be replaced?

 

You can replace the seal or the cartridge/flange/seal, Jag recommend the latter more expensive option.



Just the seal JLM20326

or a seal plus flange kit C2N2581

 

I replaced the A drum in the transmission. Not a hard job, but scary non the less. I haven't replace the pump seal and the torque converter o ring, and am now questioning if I should have.

 

Here's an update. I may have bitten of more than I can chew. If this car actually runs after I get it back together, I'll be amazed

I cannot get the Harmonic balancer off. I plan on replacing the primary tensioner and guides as well as the chains. I have rented the removal tool. screw it in and the threaded hole striped. I rethreaded the hole, used a different bolt and it stripped again. I am at a loss what to do. Anyone with an idea?

The rear end is almost put back together. I am replacing the pinion seal. Sanded all the parts and used POR 15 and then an epoxy black paint.

Transmission is back in (hope it actually works when I get the car running).

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Hi everyone. An update on the almost total rebuild. So far this is what has been done. Hopefully, if anyone else needs some help with some of these projects, I can provide it.
1. Rear subframe removed. New A frame installed. Rusty parts treated with POR 15. New sway bar end links. Differential pinion shaft and seal installed. All other bushings looked fine.

2. Transmission removed. Rear main seal replaced. A drum replaced.

3. Engine, new timing chains and primary tensioners and guides. I had replaced the secondary tensionsers earlier. Also replace the upper and lower radiator hoses. Cleaned and painted the timing cover. New oil pan gasket. Cleaned and painted the oil pan. Valley hoses done earlier. New throttle body gasket plus cleaned. Repaired breather nipples using JB weld.

4. Gas filter replaced.

Ok, so the car is back together. I did a test run yesterday. The car felt great. After about 3 miles, accelerating from about 15 miles an hour, the engine revved to about 3,000 rpms without shifting, then shifted normally. Then I got a gearbox fault message on the center screen. I went home. Later that evening after about 2 hours, I went out again for about a 3 mile local drive. No problems. Today I rechecked the tranny fluid. I had to add about 3/4 of a quart. It's been raining heavily so I haven't taken out again. I will do that tomorrow.

 

Some more photos.

 

wow your a brave man John good stuff and thanks for the information I will be using it in the near future . Thanks again

 

John, inspirational to all of us. I take it you couldn't open the garage door with all your snow, so might as well work on the car. LOL
Well done and thanks for all the insight.


Wayne

 

I did most of the work during snow storms when everything was cancelled. We had so many of those, I was able to get a lot done

Well, it seems my work was about 66% good. The engine runs and sounds great. The rear end feels more solid and the differential seams to be not leaking.

The problem is the tranny. It is now slipping and chirping going into 4th. Under light load it's fine but just a little extra, and it slips. Looks like I will be removing the transmission again and bringing it to a shop to get looked at.

It's too bad because I took a tranny that was working fine and messed it up (trying to be precautionary and replacing the A drum, which looked fine when taken out). You live and you learn. Hopefully, it won't be too expensive to fix whatever I messed up.

 

Well done, a fantastic boost to those of us still in the process's. Great photo's, Thanks very much