Installing Transmission - Help Please

[nautique99]

Unfortunately I need to replace my tranny. Have a new one in my garage and am wondering is this really something I can do myself?

It looks like a fairly simple remove and replace but don't know if there are any special tools, measurements or any other "watch out fors" in doing this job.

I'm very mechanically inclined, but I'd hate to attempt it with out someone who can give me a little guidance/warning.

I have an '84 Ski Nautique

Thanks!

[RCHANDED]

You can certainly do it yourself, maybe get a little help from a friend to help hold it up when installing it.

I did one a couple years back when my reverse went, I don't remember any real issues. Good luck.

[RCHANDED]

Oh.......and mine was on a 85 2001

[richard]

My experience is make good marks and drawing for every thing you remove for exact reassembling without confusing.

[Tomfooter]

I replaced the transmission twice in my old '81 Barefooter. Not a fun job, but it helps to have some one give you a hand and / or have an overhead crane or lift. Just to be on the safe side, I did take it to a local boat dealer to check the alignment the second time. (it turned out it was O.K.). Good Luck!

[nautique99]

Does the drive shaft slide back away from tranny easily (by hand)?

[Rick]

Yes the shaft will slide back about 3-6 inches. If you need more pull the prop. Also make sure you align the shaft and tranny. There is a post on here and at correctcraftfan.com to explain how. the 2 plates that join the tranny and shaft should be 2-4 thousands off at Max.

[M3Fan]

You don't need a crane to hold the engine- a bottle jack under the exhaust manifold will do. Much of the weight is taken by the front mounts- the jack merely keeps the engine from tipping. Get the jack to the exact height before unbolting everything and nothing should move a millimeter during the whole job. Also, unbolt the trans mounts from the actual stringer mounts rather than the trans. This way you can leave them exactly as they were adjustment-wise. You may as well change the damper plate while you have it off.