While I know this question is specific to a 5.5th gen, it's more of a general how-to question. I'm not really gonna do it, but I want to know how hard it would be to do...

What is involved in removing the tranny and clutch from a 3.5L Max? Are there any special tools required (other than a standard socket set, a few extensions and an impact wrench/air compressor)?

Also, since we're already there, how hard would it be to either:
a) swap the tranny for a LSD tranny
b) install a LSD into the existing tranny (the bell housings are different, but it has been proven that the LSD will fit in without needing to replace it)

 

I'd say it would be easier to swap the LSD tranny into it.. just be sure to get the axles as well, as they're different on the 3rd gens with LSD vs. non-LSD.

pulling the tranny on my car is cake.. takes just over an hour for me... not sure on the 5.5 gen, but it can't be too much worse.

 

Actual tranny/clutch R&R (remove and replace) is not too hard....it's just a tad time consuming. You will still need a good collections of sockets/wrenches, breaker bar, and torque wrenches. The only special tool I'd say you need...if you have to replace a pilot bearing is a pilot bearing puller. You'll need at least 2 jacks to help lower the motor, as well as the tranny....a tranny jack is nice, but a floor jack will suffice. I can do a tranny removal on any 2nd-6th gen with in a few hours.....to do a complete clutch job will probably take 6-8 hours.....may go faster the more experience you have doing this...but if your new at it, give yourself at least a few days so you can do the job carefully, and throughly.

As for you other information it would be easier to swap a tranny with a LSD tranny then to install an LSD into a tranny. The swap is easy....as instead of putting the old tranny back....you put the LSD tranny back. For the installation of LSD, you would half to take the tranny cover off, and there maybe special tools to pull the differential apart (can't say 100% for sure though since I have not done this).

S

 

Who told you that?

 

It was posted up on the org a while ago by someone who tried it. I can't remember who, but I could swear that I read it was possible.

 

The Bellhousings between the HLSD and non HLSD transmissions are no different. It was me that did the swap.

 

Toot...toot!