How to Get to the Top Two Transmission Bolts on a 2001 Chevy Blazer

Accessing the two top bolts that secure the transmission to the bellhousing is made difficult by the low clearance between the firewall and the bellhousing. The bolt on the passenger's side top of the bellhousing usually secures the transmission dipstick via a bracket that extends off the dipstick. There is no reason, other than replacing the transmission dipstick seal, to take the top bolt out from the top of the bellhousing. If removing the transmission is the goal, then removing the bolts from underneath the truck is the most logical method of doing this task.

Instructions

1

Remove the passenger side top bellhousing bolt, using a short, 15 mm wrench -- it will fit in the small, restricted space, just enough to extract it if it isn't too tight. If it is, then unfortunately, it must be accessed from the bottom.

2

Raise the front of the truck and place jack stands under the frame. Lower the truck so that it rests on the stands. Remove the driveshaft rear universal hangers to the pinion yoke, using a wrench. Pull the universal out of the pinion yoke with some help from a wrench, for leverage. Don't remove the driveshaft, just lay the end down.

3

Place the floor jack under the transmission pan. Remove the two bolts from the bottom of the transmission mount, using a socket. Remove the two bolts and nuts from each side of the transmission crossmember, using a socket and wrench.

4

Remove the two transmission cooler lines on the passenger side of the transmission, using a wrench. Lift the transmission with the floor jack enough to remove the crossmember. Lower the transmission all the way -- the tail of the transmission will drop, but is limited by the motor mounts. This won't hurt anything, but will expose the top bolts. Remove the two top bolts, using the long extension with a universal and a 15 mm socket.

5

Install the bolts and raise the transmission again, high enough to install the crossmember under the transmission mount. Align the holes on each side and install the bolts and nuts.

6

Lower the transmission and guide the studs in the transmission mount into the holes in the crossmember by pulling or pushing the tailshaft. Install the two bolts or nuts. Some transmission mounts (depending on place of origin) have studs protruding from them, while others have threaded holes for bolts. The type makes no difference -- just align the holes and install whatever component they had securing the mount to the crossmember.

7

Install the two transmission cooler lines. Install the driveshaft universal joint into the pinion yoke and place the bearing cap straps over the bearings. Install the bolts. Lower the truck.