Tools Required

J 42055 Transmission Support Fixture

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.

Notice: Failure to follow the proper removal and installation procedures may result in damage to the engine crankshaft thrust bearing.

Notice: When lowering and removing the rear of the driveline, observe the clearance between the rear of the transaxle assembly and the underbody to prevent damage.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
4. Remove the intermediate pipe. Refer to Intermediate Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
5. Remove the LH muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
6. Remove the RH muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Right Side in Engine Exhaust.
7. Remove the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Reinforcement Replacement .




Important: The following step must be performed to assure proper torque converter balance during installation.

8. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, remove the rear bellhousing access plug.
9. Matchmark the transmission flexplate to the transmission torque converter through the access hole in the rear bellhousing.
10. Remove the transmission flexplate to transmission torque converter bolts. Refer to Torque Converter Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 5L50-E.
11. Disconnect the transmission cooler rear pipes. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 5L50-E.



12. Remove the two plastic plugs from the front of driveline support assembly.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Important: 

•	The propeller input shaft front bearing positioning bolts are intended to remain torqued to specification and in place UNTIL INSTRUCTED in the installation procedure.

•	The bolts are to be removed, and the plastic plugs reinstalled after the installation is complete.

•	Failure to use the minimum length fastener specified will prevent proper retention of the propeller input shaft front bearing during disassembly or installation.

13. Install two bolts, M10 - 1.5 X 55 mm, or longer, in place of the plastic plugs.

(The long bolts are located to maintain the propeller input shaft front bearing in original position during removal and installation.)

Tighten
Tighten the propeller input shaft front bearing positioning bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).




14. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, remove the engine flywheel housing access plug.



15. Loosen the propeller shaft hub clamp bolt  (1).

Rotate the engine at the flywheel, if necessary for alignment.




16. Remove the nuts retaining the transmission shift cable bracket to the transmission.



17. Disconnect the transmission shift control cable from the transmission shift lever.

Unsnap to release the cable.

18. Reposition the transmission shift cable and bracket.



19. Disconnect the rear park brake cables from the actuator levers. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement in Park Brake.
20. Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connectors from the wheel speed sensors.
21. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the suspension rear position sensors.
22. Disconnect the suspension rear position sensor servo arms from the lower control arms. Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement in Electronic Suspension Control (ESC).

Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

23. Remove the rear brake calipers from the caliper brackets and support them out of the way with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent; ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic flexible brake hose. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic flexible brake hose from the caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brake.
24. Remove the drive axle spindle nuts.



25. Support the lower control arm with a straight jack.
26. Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the suspension knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
27. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt.
28. Disconnect the upper ball joint from the suspension knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement in Rear Suspension.
29. Remove the straight jack from the control arm.
30. Repeat steps 24 through 28 for the other side of the vehicle.
31. Remove the vibration damper. Refer to Drive Line Vibration Dampener Replacement



32. Assemble the J 42055 .
33. Install the J 42055 to a transmission jack.
34. Position and firmly secure the J 42055 with the transmission jack to the transmission.
35. Disconnect the wiring harness, wiring ground, and brake pipe clip retainers from the rear suspension crossmember.
36. Position the RH side wiring harness through the cradle and position aside.
37. Remove the transaxle mount to rear crossmember nuts.



38. Position a transmission jack under the rear suspension crossmember and firmly secure the crossmember to the jack.
39. Using ONLY HAND TOOLS, remove the rear suspension crossmember retaining nuts.



40. With the aid of an assistant, slowly lower the rear suspension crossmember away from the vehicle frame rails and remove the crossmember.
41. Remove the rear wheel drive shafts from the rear differential. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Dive Shafts.



42. Release the retainer  (1) securing (and positioning) the wiring harness to the L-shaped brackets along the driveline support assembly, then slide the harness up out of the brackets and position out of the way.



43. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the stud at the differential rear cover.
44. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer clip from the top of the differential.



45. Disconnect the transmission harness 20-way connector.



46. Disconnect the park/neutral position switch electrical connectors.
47. Remove the bolt retaining the transmission wiring harness to the transmission case.



48. Release the wiring harness from the harness retainer along the top of the transmission.
49. Check to be sure that the wiring harness is free from the driveline being removed.



50. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler rear pipes from the junction fittings at the engine flywheel housing, then cap the pipes and plug the junction fittings to prevent contamination.
51. Remove the right hand rear Ho 2 sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 in Engine Controls - 4.6L (LH2).



52. Using a block of wood to protect the engine oil pan, place a jack under the rear of the engine oil pan to support the engine, and prevent contact with the composite dash panel.
53. Remove the driveline support assembly to engine flywheel housing bolts.



54. Carefully position the wiring harness bracket away from the driveline and toward the driveline tunnel wall in order to make a clear removal path for the driveline.




Important: The aid of an assistant will be necessary for the remaining steps.

55. Have an assistant insert a flat bladed screwdriver, or similar tool, between the edge of the driveline support assembly and the engine flywheel housing, then begin to separate the driveline from the engine.



56. Have an assistant guide the front of the driveline during the removal of the driveline from the vehicle.
57. SLOWLY lower the driveline, pull the driveline away from the engine UNTIL the propeller input shaft at the front of the driveline support assembly just clears the engine flywheel housing.
58. SLOWLY lower the driveline completely out of the vehicle.



59. Position the chainfall, or equivalent, of a lift device in a way which will protect the transmission oil cooler rear pipes and the rear exhaust hangers located on the driveline support assembly.
60. Using the lift device, raise the driveline to relieve the weight from the transmission jack.
61. Disconnect the J 42055 from the transmission jack ONLY, the J 42055 will provide stability to the driveline components while working on a bench.
62. Position the driveline on a work bench with the lift device still attached.
63. Support the driveline support assembly and the differential for additional balance.
64. Remove the lift device from the driveline.



65. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler upper and lower pipe fittings from the transmission, then cap the pipes and plug the fittings to prevent contamination.



66. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipe rear clip.



67. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipe middle clip.
68. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipe front and rear clamp bolts and clamps.
69. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes.



70. Remove the rear exhaust hanger mounting bolts.
71. Remove the rear exhaust hangers from the driveline support assembly.



72. Remove the transmission to driveline support assembly bolts/studs.
73. Insert a flat bladed screwdriver, or similar tool, between the edge of the driveline support assembly and the transmission, then begin to separate the driveline support assembly from the transmission.
74. Slowly slide the driveline support assembly away from the transmission while supporting the transmission torque converter.
75. Using a strap positioned from side to side, secure the transmission torque converter to the transmission.

Notice: Failure to follow the proper removal and installation procedures may result in damage to the engine crankshaft thrust bearing.

1. Remove the strap retaining the transmission torque converter.
2. Slowly slide the driveline support assembly to the transmission, while supporting the transmission torque converter.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Install the transmission to driveline support assembly bolts/studs.

Tighten
Tighten the transmission to driveline support assembly bolts/studs to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).




4. Install the rear exhaust hangers to the driveline support assembly.
5. Install the rear exhaust hanger mounting bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the rear exhaust hanger mounting bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).




6. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes into position.
7. Install the transmission oil cooler pipe front and rear retaining clamps and bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the transmission oil cooler pipe front and rear retaining clamp bolts 12 N·m (106 lb in).

8. Install the transmission oil cooler pipe middle clip.



9. Install the transmission oil cooler pipe rear clip.



10. Remove the caps from the transmission oil cooler pipes and remove the plugs from the fittings on the transmission.
11. ALIGN and HAND-START, then tighten ONLY by hand to seat the transmission oil cooler pipe fittings to the transmission fittings.

Tighten
Tighten the transmission oil cooler fittings to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).




12. Position the chainfall, or equivalent lifting device, in a way which will protect the transmission oil cooler rear pipes and the rear exhaust hangers located on the driveline support assembly.

Important: The aid of an assistant will be necessary for the following steps until the driveline is installed into the vehicle.

13. Using the lifting device, raise the driveline off the workbench and position the driveline with the J 42055 onto a transmission jack.
14. Connect the J 42055 to the transmission jack.



15. Remove the lifting device from the driveline.
16. Position the driveline under the vehicle.
17. Begin to raise the driveline at the approximate angle used during removal.
18. Position the wiring harness along the driveline support assembly and LOOSELY install the harness into the harness retaining slots.
19. Have an assistant guide the front of the driveline so the propeller input shaft is just to the rear of the engine flywheel housing, then raise the driveline to the PROPER HEIGHT and the PROPER ANGLE to install to the engine.

Important: Use care not to use too much force to install the propeller input shaft into the propeller shaft hub. The propeller input shaft front bearing positioning system is designed to withstand an insertion force not greater than 582 N·m(130 lb).

20. Have an assistant begin to insert the propeller input shaft into the propeller shaft hub while maintaining the proper angle of the driveline, if necessary use a screwdriver to rotate the shaft slightly to position and align the splines.



21. SLOWLY seat the driveline to the engine flywheel housing while maintaining the proper angle of the driveline.



22. Reposition the wiring harness bracket to the driveline support assembly bolt hole.



23. Install the driveline support assembly to engine flywheel housing bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the driveline support assembly to engine flywheel housing bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

24. Install the wiring harness to the wiring harness retainer along the top of the transmission.
25. Install the right hand rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 in Engine Controls - 4.6L (LH2).



26. Remove the caps from the front of the transmission oil cooler pipes and remove the plugs from the junction fittings at the engine flywheel housing.
27. ALIGN and HAND-START, then tighten ONLY by hand to seat the transmission oil cooler pipes to the junction fittings at the engine flywheel housing.

Tighten
Tighten the transmission oil cooler pipes to junction fittings at engine flywheel housing to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).




28. Install the transmission wiring harness to LH side of transmission case retaining bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the transmission wiring harness to LH side of transmission case retaining bolt to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

29. Connect the park/neutral position switch electrical connectors.



30. Connect the transmission wiring harness 20-way connector.



31. Connect the wiring harness clip to the top of the differential.
32. Connect the wiring harness retainer to the stud at the differential rear cover.
33. Slowly raise the driveline to final installation height.
34. Remove the jack which supported the engine.
35. Install the rear wheel drive shafts. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.



36. With the aid of an assistant, begin to raise the rear suspension crossmember (still firmly attached to a transmission jack), to the vehicle frame rails.
37. Guide the rear suspension crossmember alignment pins into the alignment holes in the vehicle frame rails, and guide the transaxle mount studs into the mounting holes in the crossmember, then raise the crossmember until it contacts the frame rails.



38. Using ONLY HAND TOOLS, install NEW rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).




39. Remove the transmission jack from the rear suspension crossmember.
40. Release the J 42055 from the transmission, then remove the J 42055 and transmission jack.
41. Install the transaxle mount to rear suspension crossmember nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the transaxle mount to rear suspension crossmember nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

42. Install the vibration damper. Refer to Drive Line Vibration Dampener Replacement
43. Connect the wiring harness, wiring ground, and brake pipe clip retainers to the rear suspension crossmember.
44. Reposition the RH side wiring harness through the cradle and position back.



45. Support the lower control arm with a straight jack.
46. Connect the upper ball joint to the suspension knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement in Rear Suspension.
47. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt to 220 N·m (162 lb ft).

48. Connect the outer tie rod end to the suspension knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
49. Remove the straight jack from the suspension control arm.
50. Repeat steps 45 through 49 for the other side of the vehicle.
51. Install the drive axle spindle nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the drive axle spindle nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).




52. Remove the mechanics wire supporting the rear calipers and install caliper to caliper bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brake.
53. Connect the suspension rear position sensor servo arms to the lower control arms. Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement in Electronic Suspension Control (ESC).
54. Connect the electrical connectors to the suspension rear position sensors.
55. Connect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connectors to the wheel speed sensors.
56. Connect the rear park brake cables to the actuator levers. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement in Park Brake.



57. Carefully position the wiring harness into the L-shaped brackets along the driveline support assembly. Align the harness retainer (locator) (1) to the hole in the forward bracket, and secure in place.



58. Install the transmission shift cable and bracket into position.
59. Connect the transmission shift cable to the transmission shift lever.

Press to secure the cable.




60. Install the transmission shift cable bracket nuts to the transmission.

Tighten
Tighten the transmission shift cable bracket nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).





Important: The following step must be performed to assure proper torque converter balance during installation.

61. Align the transmission flexplate to the transmission torque converter using the matchmark made prior to removal.
62. Install the transmission flexplate to transmission torque converter bolts. Refer to Torque Converter Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 5L50-E.
63. Install the rear bellhousing access plug.
64. Connect the transmission rear pipes. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 5L50-E.



65. HAND-TIGHTEN the propeller shaft hub clamp bolt  (1) until FINGER-TIGHT.



66. Remove the propeller input shaft front bearing positioning bolts (M10 - 1.5 X 55 mm) from the driveline support assembly.
67. Install the 2 plastic plugs to the front of the driveline support assembly.



68. Install the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Reinforcement Replacement .
69. Install the RH muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Right Side in Engine Exhaust.
70. Install the LH muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
71. Install the intermediate pipe. Refer to Intermediate Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
72. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
73. Lower the vehicle.
74. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tighten
Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

75. Program the transmitters. Refer to Transmitter Programming in Keyless Entry.

Important: The following steps MUST be performed in order to provide proper alignment of the propeller shaft hub, the propeller input shaft and the propeller input shaft front bearing.




76. Start and run the engine at idle until normal operating temperatures are reached.

(Idle or drive for at least 10 minutes.)

77. Turn off the engine and allow the powertrain to cool to ROOM temperature.
78. Raise the vehicle.
79. Tighten the propeller shaft hub clamp bolt  (1).

Tighten
Tighten the propeller shaft hub clamp bolt to 125 N·m (93 lb ft).




80. Install the engine flywheel housing access plug.
81. Flush the transmission oil cooler. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test in Automatic Transmission - 5L50-E.
82. Lower the vehicle.