Hello,
The replacement procedure sounds intense for a home mechanic. Anybody that's done this, some input would be appreciated...pay out the **** or do it myself. I have access to a transmission jack, just not sure if I would be up to the task...lol.
Thanks for any input and have a nice evening!

 

If your mechanical at all you can do it yourself. I did my own with no experience at all. Take your time, ask questions. I found youtube videos that helped

 

I considered replacing the transmission myself but decided against it. I could have done it but not having access to a helper, I thought it too much work. Many years ago I replaced the transmission in a 71 Dodge Dart. Much simpler than a Blazer. I instead went with a local shop that could do the rebuild.

 

As newguy said if you are mechanically inclined you can do it yourself, BUT be aware it is a major undertaking. I'd strongly advise a factory service manual (not some 200 page 82-05 all inclusive Chilton or Haynes coloring book). They just leave out all the small details. The ones that will come back and bite you in the ****. Then copy and watch every YouTube vid on the subject. Then do a search on here and other GM forums for how to's tips and tricks. One trick I use is to leave the transfer case up above the rear torsion bar crossmember and just tie it with a strap as far to the passenger side as possible. No need to take it down. Getting to the top 2 bellhousing bolts is a pain unless you lower the rear of the trans first. Be careful not to bust your distributor by lowering too far. I use a 36" snap on extension to get to them with a tight swivel on the end. Any combination of extensions that long will work.

On the other hand an honest independent shop should be able to R&R the trans for $4-500. Plus fluids, gaskets, etc. Bear in mind it'll take 10-12 quarts of ATF since you will be replacing the torque converter also. When I was younger and healthier and a GM Tech it took around 4 hours on a hoist with a 2 stage air trans jack. I'm 71 now and it takes about 8 hours, but I'm only good for 4 per day.

 

Is it a 2 or 4 wheel drive? If it ia a 4WD you have to deal with the transfer case and all of its connectors and whatnot. It if is 4x4 and you have the 4 button 4WD make sure you get some autotrac fluid for the transfer case.

 

IIRC you have a 1996 4WD. I'm sure you can do it if you so choose. Question is if the money you will save worth a couple of weekends work (one out - one back in). Depends on the person and their financial situation. As for me, I'm too old to want to flat-back a tranny and transfer case in my garage to save $500. It's not something I would enjoy doing. However if I had a hoist and the jack I would most definitely do it myself. But since I don't and only have a floor jack, I paid out the **** and took mine to a tranny shop when the trans went out. The warranty that includes R&R is nice. I had to use it once - just called them and they came and towed it away - then went completely through it again. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you happen to need any factory info on your 1996, just PM me and I can email it to you as an attachment.

 

I am doing mine (4x4) with two floor jacks and some wood blocks and jackstands. I pulled the distributor to have more room to access the top trans. bolts. The exhaust collector bolts is a challenge too. I am not looking forward to laying on the ground in the winter after going through pneumonia already. I couldn't use the brass bushing/washer between the sun shell and front gear assembly ?? not in use before tear down either. (2004, the snap ring could not go on ) Vehicle has to be pretty high on stands to get the trans out from under. Good luck !

 

Mine took me 2weeks to get it out ,2 says to rebuild and 2 days to reinstall. Took my time ,thought out every step

 

lots of good info, thank you very much!
I still haven't decided which direction to go but if I decide to do it myself, I'm sure you Guys will be the first to know...lol.
When you're talking about lowering the rear of the tranny and removing the distributor, are the motor mounts and exhaust loosened and or removed?
Thank you
Later

 

You must drop the exhaust Y pipe, I left the motor mounts alone.