Removing Your 99 Dodge Ram Transmission: A Comprehensive Guide

Alright, gearheads, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of 99 Dodge Ram transmission removal! If you're here, chances are your trusty Ram is giving you some grief with its shifting, or maybe you're prepping for an upgrade. Whatever the reason, pulling that transmission is a job that's totally doable for the home mechanic with a little patience, the right tools, and this guide. This isn't just a basic overview; we're going to get into the details, covering everything from safety precautions to the final reassembly. Keep in mind that working on your vehicle can be dangerous if you're not careful. Always prioritize safety, and if you're not comfortable with any of these steps, it's always best to consult a professional. Before you even think about touching your truck, make sure you've got the basics covered. This includes a well-ventilated workspace, a good set of tools, and a service manual specific to your '99 Dodge Ram. This manual is your bible for this project, offering torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and other critical information that'll make your life a whole lot easier. Plus, make sure you have jack stands, a floor jack, and wheel chocks. Safety first, guys! Always chock the wheels, and never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Preparing for the Transmission Removal

So, before you even begin thinking about wrenching, there's some prep work to knock out. First things first: Safety first. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This is crucial to prevent any accidental shorts. Next up, you'll want to get your truck up in the air. Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck and securely place jack stands under the frame. Do not, I repeat, do not rely on just the jack to hold the truck up. Make sure the truck is stable and won't move. You will need to chock the rear wheels to prevent the truck from rolling. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Drain the transmission fluid. Locate the drain plug on the transmission pan and place a drain pan underneath. Remove the drain plug and let the fluid drain completely. This can take a while, so use the time to gather your tools and double-check your workspace. While the fluid is draining, take the opportunity to disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the transmission. This includes the speed sensor, any wiring harnesses, and the neutral safety switch. Remember to label the connectors if you aren't sure where they go to make reassembly easier. After all the wiring is disconnected, it's time to tackle the driveshafts. You'll need to disconnect both the front and rear driveshafts from the transmission. Mark the yokes of the driveshafts and the transmission output shafts before removing them. This will ensure that you can put them back in the same position during reassembly. Then, remove the driveshaft bolts and separate the driveshafts from the transmission. Secure the driveshafts out of the way, and don't forget to plug the transmission output shaft openings to prevent fluid leakage and dirt ingress. That is an important step to prevent dirt and debris from getting into your transmission.

Detaching the Transmission Components

Alright, with the preliminaries out of the way, we're getting to the fun stuff - detaching the transmission components. You’ll need to remove the shift linkage from the transmission. This usually involves disconnecting a few clips or bolts. Now, disconnect the cooler lines that run from the transmission to the radiator. Be prepared for some fluid leakage here, so have a drain pan handy. Next, it's time to get to the bell housing bolts. These bolts connect the transmission to the engine. They can be tough to reach, so having a variety of extensions and universal joints for your sockets will come in handy. There will be at least a few bolts that are tough to reach. Take your time, and don't force anything. Work carefully and methodically. As you remove the bolts, take notes or use a diagram to keep track of where each bolt came from. This will save you a headache later when you're putting everything back together. With the bell housing bolts removed, it's time to support the transmission. Place a transmission jack under the transmission pan. This jack will support the weight of the transmission as you disconnect it from the engine. Now, with the transmission supported, you can remove the crossmember that supports the transmission. This will vary depending on your specific model, so consult your service manual for the exact procedure. Once the crossmember is removed, carefully lower the transmission using the transmission jack. Be mindful of any remaining hoses or wiring that might still be connected. Slowly lower the transmission until it's clear of the engine and accessible. Now, you should be able to carefully move the transmission away from the engine. At this point, you can carefully maneuver the transmission away from the engine. The transmission is heavy, so be careful and ask for help if you need it. Now you can remove the transmission.

Removing the Transmission and Reinstallation

Okay, removing the transmission! Now that the transmission is free from the engine and supported by your transmission jack, it’s time to carefully lower it completely. Take your time and make sure everything is clear before lowering the transmission. Once it's on the ground, you can then inspect your transmission for any signs of damage or wear. At this stage, you may need to replace the transmission or rebuild it. If you're going the replacement route, this is the time to install the new or rebuilt transmission. Now, for the reinstallation, this is where your notes and diagrams will come in handy. Start by carefully aligning the transmission with the engine. Use the transmission jack to raise the transmission into position. Ensure that the torque converter is properly seated in the transmission and that the input shaft aligns with the crankshaft. This is a critical step, so take your time and make sure everything is lined up correctly. Once the transmission is in position, install the bell housing bolts. Torque them to the specifications listed in your service manual. Don't overtighten the bolts, as this can damage the transmission or engine. Next, reinstall the crossmember and support the transmission. This is a good time to reconnect the driveshafts. Align the marks you made earlier and install the driveshaft bolts. Then, reconnect the shift linkage, cooler lines, and all electrical connectors. Double-check all connections to ensure everything is properly connected. Refill the transmission with the correct type and amount of fluid, as specified in your service manual. Then, reconnect the negative battery cable. Finally, start the engine and check for any leaks. Also, check the transmission’s shifting to make sure it functions properly. Then, take your truck for a test drive. Be sure to check the transmission fluid level again after your test drive and top it off if necessary. If all goes well, you’ve successfully removed and reinstalled your transmission!

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

Even with the best preparation, you might run into a few snags. Let's cover some troubleshooting tips. If you're having trouble getting the transmission to separate from the engine, double-check that you've removed all the bell housing bolts. Sometimes, there are bolts hidden in hard-to-reach places. If the transmission is still stuck, gently pry between the engine and transmission using a non-marring pry bar. Never force anything, and be careful not to damage any components. If you're having trouble getting the transmission to align with the engine during reinstallation, make sure the torque converter is properly seated. You might need to rotate the torque converter slightly to get it to line up with the crankshaft. Also, if you’re unsure about something, or if you encounter any unexpected problems, don’t hesitate to consult your service manual or seek advice from a professional mechanic. Finally, here are some additional tips to make the job easier: Before you start, take lots of pictures. These will be invaluable when it comes time to reassemble everything. Keep all your bolts and hardware organized. Use a labeled container for each section you remove. Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Having the correct tools will save you time and frustration. When removing and reinstalling the transmission, be patient. This is not a race, so take your time and do things correctly. Always refer to your service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications for your truck. Remember, safety always comes first. If you are not comfortable working on this project, please seek the help of a professional mechanic. With some patience and these helpful tips, you'll be able to tackle that 99 Dodge Ram transmission removal and get your truck back on the road in no time!