Search brings up a few threads and it appears I can pull the auto transmission without moving the engine... just to confirm before we dive headfirst into an empty pool:
Can you swap out the auto transmission in a 97 Blazer leaving the engine in place or do you have to lift the engine up & forward (or pull it) to get clearance? I'm trying to determine if this is a job we can tackle at home without a hoist or have to tow it to a shop. I can jack it up and securely block it high enough to slide a tranny out & new one under... but if it's one of those jobs that seriously needs a hoist it's better to know now before we start taking things apart.

Random info: Darn thing just revs up & won't go as it warms up. Hits the rev limiter trying to stay moving. Cold, sorta wants to move. Was making a noise like putting cardboard in your bicycle spokes (for those here old enough to have done that) when it crapped out.


Any tips or advice from experienced hands would be appreciated.

 

yeah you dont need to mess with the engine. the biggest pain is theres is a bolt on the lower driverside of the bell housing that is really hard to get to. everyone has their own little tricks to get it out. i use a 1/4 inch skinny long ratchet and a 15mm socket to get at it. but make sure you take that one out first so its not the last one and youre working on keeping the trans up and getting that bolt out at the same time.

 

I use an atv jack to hold the trans up while removing the bolts

ya wanna remove the bolts from the flywheel before removing the ones from the bell housing

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the tips & am sure I'll need more advice along the way.