How to Remove the Transmission in a K1500
by Gregory CrewsThe K1500 is a work truck made by Chevrolet and GMC -- both are companies owned by GM. The transmission in the K1500 requires removal whenever it needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Raising the truck will make the removal process simpler, giving you more room to work, and once the transmission is out of the truck, you can begin your rebuild or replacement.
Step 1
Ensure the truck is parked on a flat and level surface. Chock the back wheels to prevent the truck from rolling back. Set the parking brake.
Step 2
Open the hood for access to the engine compartment. Disconnect the transmission dipstick tube by unscrewing the small bolt at the bottom of the tube. Raise the tube straight up and out of the engine compartment.
Step 3
Place a jack under the front crossmember of the truck. Raise the truck high enough to place jack stands under the crossmember. Lower the truck on to the crossmember.
Step 4
Locate the transmission under the truck. Disconnect the shift linkage on the driver side of the truck by unbolting the small nut holding it in place. Pull the vacuum hose out by pulling it straight out. Disconnect the speedometer cable by unscrewing it from the driver side of the transmission.
Step 5
Unscrew the transmission cooler lines from the bottom passenger side of the transmission with a line wrench. Place a small drain pan under the lines to prevent getting transmission fluid on the ground. There will be two lines to unscrew.
Step 6
Locate the drive shaft and unscrew the two hanger bolts with a socket wrench. There will be two hanger bolts to disconnect. Pull the driveshaft out of the transmission.
Step 7
Place the jack under the transmission. Raise the jack up to the transmission.
Step 8
Unscrew all the bolts holding the flywheel to the engine. There will be a series of bolts around the bell housing to undo.
Step 9
Unscrew the four bolts holding the torque converter to the bell housing. There will be four bolts to unscrew. The bolts may be difficult to access. Place a socket wrench around the crankshaft pulley and turn the crankshaft to spin the flywheel. This will make the bolts easier to access.
Step 10
Inspect the transmission to ensure all the bolts and wires are disconnected. Slowly raise the transmission with the jack to free it from the engine. Pull the transmission away from the engine and out from under the truck.
References
- "Chevrolet and GMC Pick-ups Haynes Repair Manual for 1988 thru 1998 Full-size Light-duty Gasoline Engine Models. Includes 1999 and 2000 C/K Classic models, 1992 thru 1999 Suburban, 1992 thru 1994 Full-size Blazer and Jimmy, 1995 thru 1999 Tahoe, and 1992 thru 1999 Yukon "; John Haynes; 1999
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Drain pan
- Line wrench set
Warnings
- Additional assistance may be required to pull the transmission as it is very heavy.
Writer Bio
Gregory Crews has been in the film industry for three years and has appeared in more than 38 major motion pictures and 16 television shows. He also writes detailed automotive tutorials. His expertise in the automotive industry has given him the skills to write detailed technical instructional articles.
