I have to replace the 5 speed trans and clutch in my stock 1997 sidekick 1.6litre.
PLEASE ,I need tips/info?shortcuts on the how to do the job. For example: do I need to remove the crossmember under the trans?
ETC,
Thanks!

Gang
There must be members out there who have done this work and can offer some helpful advise?

It is a lot easier to remove the Transfer Case support/crossmember.  Having a helping hand makes installation much easier also.
If you have enough lift, it can be done under the Kicker, otherwise raise vehicle and use jack stands.

As I remember it:
Remove shift levers, both TC and Tranny.
Drain oil on at least TC.
Remove Drive lines, if you did not drain oil in TC it will start draining itself.  (Of course you can work around leaving front drive line in to prevent oil from draining.)
Remove Clutch cable, and speedo cable
Remove bolts from bellhousing..
Support Transmission/TC with floor jack, then remove Transmission TC mount/crossmember.
Lower jack slowly (watch distributor so as not to smash it into firewall when motor tips backward).  
Joggle Transmission/TC to start it separating (If it does not separate, find the bolt you left in).
Slide it off motor (trying to keep it on floor jack) and remove it.  It can be done w/o a floor jack but it is awkward getting it off your chest under the vehicle.

   Remember to unbolt the sheet metal between the motor and trans before you start to pull it or you will have the trans hang up and you'll have to pound it back into shape.


                           Ed

Joggle Transmission/TC to start it separating (If it does not separate, find the bolt you left in).
Slide it off motor (trying to keep it on floor jack) and remove it.  It can be done w/o a floor jack but it is awkward getting it off your chest under the vehicle.

There is a bolt hidden underneath the transmission shifter housing!!!  This is why it took me over an hour to get them separated.  As soon as you remove the 5 bolts and tranny shifter, you will see it.  Make sure you put it back in before you put the tranny shifter back on top.
Yes, the trans and tcase sure seem heavier when they are resting on your chest

and dont forget the clutch alignment tool, it's almost impossible to get the clutch aligned correctly in the pressure plate without the tool.

   Remember to unbolt the sheet metal between the motor and trans before you start to pull it or you will have the trans hang up and you'll have to pound it back into shape.


                           Ed

That is an easy piece to miss.  And to straighten.

Quote from: BRD HNTR on November 14, 2010, 09:05:16 PM

Joggle Transmission/TC to start it separating (If it does not separate, find the bolt you left in).
Slide it off motor (trying to keep it on floor jack) and remove it.  It can be done w/o a floor jack but it is awkward getting it off your chest under the vehicle.

There is a bolt hidden underneath the transmission shifter housing!!!  This is why it took me over an hour to get them separated.  As soon as you remove the 5 bolts and tranny shifter, you will see it.  Make sure you put it back in before you put the tranny shifter back on top.
Yes, the trans and tcase sure seem heavier when they are resting on your chest

I always leave the hidden bolt out.  No issues.

Quote from: djlantis57 on November 22, 2010, 02:44:29 PM

Quote from: BRD HNTR on November 14, 2010, 09:05:16 PM

Joggle Transmission/TC to start it separating (If it does not separate, find the bolt you left in).
Slide it off motor (trying to keep it on floor jack) and remove it.  It can be done w/o a floor jack but it is awkward getting it off your chest under the vehicle.

There is a bolt hidden underneath the transmission shifter housing!!!  This is why it took me over an hour to get them separated.  As soon as you remove the 5 bolts and tranny shifter, you will see it.  Make sure you put it back in before you put the tranny shifter back on top.
Yes, the trans and tcase sure seem heavier when they are resting on your chest

I always leave the hidden bolt out.  No issues.

Same here, if you ever have any t-case issues it is alot easier to remove with that "hidden bolt" out.