ZF with 1356 case install in one shot?

[divemaster5734]

Hoping for words of wisdom from anyone that has crossed this bridge.
Trying to set the transmission jack up for the installation and can’t figure out how to get perfect level with both transmission and transfer case connected.
Hoping not to split them just to install.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[hacked89]

Split them

 

[Jesus Freak]

Splitting them is legit, but you could have the cherry picker in the door of the truck with a strap around the tranny and the tranny jack back towards the transfer case. I'm into living dangerously though.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Split them

I agree. They're pretty unbalanced on a jack when they're together. I just bench press the transfer case into place after the transmission's bolted in place.

I'm into living dangerously though.

And yet you get all bent out of shape about using a cherry picker to R&R an engine when the core support's in place?

 

[Rdnck84_03]

Definitely agree with everyone else on this. I have installed a good number of 4x4 transmissions over the years, a zf5 is hard enough to keep stable on the jack without a t-case hanging off one side.

In my opinion you will save a lot of time and frustration (and possibly even a broken trans or t-case) by installing separate.

James

 

[Jesus Freak]

I agree. They're pretty unbalanced on a jack when they're together. I just bench press the transfer case into place after the transmission's bolted in place.

And yet you get all bent out of shape about using a cherry picker to R&R an engine when the core support's in place?

I've done that too. It's really hard to move the cherry picker when the engine is up that high.

 

[ROCK HARVEY]

I say split them as well. It can be really difficult to get the zf-5 lined up perfectly with the engine so the input shaft slides into place. You’ll need to wiggle it around and maneuver it, and the transfer case will bump into stuff and limit your movement. I actually recommend removing the shift stub for the same reason.

Also I like your jerry-rigged trans jack!

 

[KansasIDI]

I have a huge tranny jack designed for pulling Eatons and Allisons out of big trucks, so I do install together usually, but not always.

Fwiw

 

[divemaster5734]

Splitting is definitely the way to go.
I didn't realize how light the 1356 really is.
Besides, discovered rust on the input/output shafts.
Treated with Naval Jelly and light grease should work for another 35 years.
Have a before of the 1356 and after jelly zf attached.
Both were equally as rusted and cleaned.

 

[bear91]

When we did my swap we installed both at once using a tall transmission jack and a vehicle lift that lifts from the wheels. We laid the transmission/tcase on the ledge, lifted it up then slide it onto the jack wrapping it with a ratchet strap and one person holding the tcase and other guiding the bell housing to motor. The difficult part was getting the transmission lined up. Definitely a two man job