How to replace ATX on a SHO?

[Kebabaluba]

So I need a new transmission for my 93 ATX SHO. I was wondering if its possible to remove and replace only the transmission with engine and subframe still in the car, or this job requires whole engine and subframe to be dropped down? I noticed that with valve cover and valve body already removed there is somewhat good clearance towards subframe.

 

[luigisho]

Changing Transmission & Clutch

So my differential pin ejected through the case leaving a couple small holes in it. I posted another thread about it when it happened, and now I'm all ready to get her back on the road. I Finally got another transmission, and ordered a new clutch, since the old one was slipping. I've also order...

shoforum.com

You may need to remove all or part of the subframe to get enough room. I only ever dropped the whole thing but it should be doable. I imagine you will need to support the engine while subframe drops or partially drops. The mtx post in the link should be macro similar to remove atx. Just be sure you know what you're getting into before you start dropping like tran cooler lines, speedo cable with gear driven speedo VSS sensor, etc. There is little info floating around but having a manual write up would be nice. Maybe get a factory service manual for atx.

 

[Kebabaluba]

Changing Transmission & Clutch

So my differential pin ejected through the case leaving a couple small holes in it. I posted another thread about it when it happened, and now I'm all ready to get her back on the road. I Finally got another transmission, and ordered a new clutch, since the old one was slipping. I've also order...

shoforum.com

You may need to remove all or part of the subframe to get enough room. I only ever dropped the whole thing but it should be doable. I imagine you will need to support the engine while subframe drops or partially drops. The mtx post in the link should be macro similar to remove atx. Just be sure you know what you're getting into before you start dropping like tran cooler lines, speedo cable with gear driven speedo VSS sensor, etc. There is little info floating around but having a manual write up would be nice. Maybe get a factory service manual for atx.

I see

 

[zoomlater]

Here's a post, I had a shop fix my tranny, but I thought the front subframe was dropped as the front motor mount was bad as well, and I had to provide one to them. A Helm manual is what the Ford techs used, they are available on ebay

93 ATX - Remove Engine without Trans?

I'm working on replacing the engine on my 93 SHO, I have everything disconnected but the ATX and it won't separate from the engine. I've removed all the bolts i can find and the four connecting the flex plate to the torq converter; what else am i missing. My goal is to pull the engine out the...

shoforum.com

Removing engine/atx

I was just curious about how hard it would be to pull the whole subframe from the car if you have the use of a regular garage, jack, stands, etc. I want to replace the rod bearings and i am also having issues with it starting when it wants to. It will turn over but not start. So the waterpump...

shoforum.com

 

[luigisho]

YOu can drop the subframe and keep the engine in the car. sdpatt had a homemade engine support with 2x4 and such posted years ago. It should be archived somewhere. THere are variants of it like you could use a hoist to support it etc. There are ways to do it. DIY at home is a PITA unless you have the right tools. That is how alot of us acquire those. Weird projects.

 

[luigisho]

I can't find scott's diy engine support diagram. But here are some helpful posts to give you an idea of concept

Need help !!!! Clutch replacement 93 MTX

so I decided to take on the challenge to replacing my clutch due to being on a budget and kinda stuck in the middle of the project, so right now all I've done so far is disconnected all front end suspension such as ball joints, sway bar links and steering rods also I've removed the starter and...

shoforum.com

Engine Support Beam - V6SHO

Engine Support Bar - 2 points?

So I'm following the clutch replacement guide (http://www.shophoenixproject.com/clutch/clutch.htm) and got myself a transverse support bar (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Astro-Pneumatic-Transverse-Engine-Support-Bar-31-64-/310306605244) Got the first hook on the front bracket, but I can't figure...

shoforum.com

 

[Kebabaluba]

YOu can drop the subframe and keep the engine in the car. sdpatt had a homemade engine support with 2x4 and such posted years ago. It should be archived somewhere. THere are variants of it like you could use a hoist to support it etc. There are ways to do it. DIY at home is a PITA unless you have the right tools. That is how alot of us acquire those. Weird projects.

I hoped both subframe with suspension with wheels and engine would stay in the car while i handle the transmission. No point leaving engine in the hanging if the whole subframe needs to be dropped. The reason why i want engine and subframe in the car is to able to roll and move the car out of the way when needed.

 

[luigisho]

I see. There are wheel dollies and I think I've seen some make your own porjects on this. But yeah you need wheels to sit on them. I am pretty sure this is doable. I think you may have to shift the subframe up or down on one side or another to maneuver and then you can snug it back up. I mean there is a tr@n$ mount to the subframe already. If you can get a clear view of what has to move where to physically remove it. I mean I don't see an engineering setup that has the transmission just hanging out there in fwd configuration

 

[Kebabaluba]

I see. There are wheel dollies and I think I've seen some make your own porjects on this. But yeah you need wheels to sit on them. I am pretty sure this is doable. I think you may have to shift the subframe up or down on one side or another to maneuver and then you can snug it back up. I mean there is a tr@n$ mount to the subframe already. If you can get a clear view of what has to move where to physically remove it. I mean I don't see an engineering setup that has the transmission just hanging out there in fwd configuration
View attachment 85343

I dealt with valve cover and valve body recently and its a job that require left engine/trans mount removal. I see when the valve body removed there is some clearance between tranny and subframe, which means i can pull tranny a bit away from the engine in hope it clears the bellhousing. However i notice that transmission is kinda wide front to back (of the car) to clear the subframe dropping down. I think if i pull tranny first to the side to clear bellhousing, then tilt tranny to clear the subframe and just drop it down. That was my thought. I hoped someone did something simiar and could confirm it. But i would like to know how far tranny have to go sideways to clear bellhousing of the engine.

 

[zoomlater]

The ATX tranny is heavy, if you look on the web it's around 250lbs. It not like an MTX tranny that is around 80lbs and more manageable to move around.

 

[Kebabaluba]

The ATX tranny is heavy, if you look on the web it's around 250lbs. It not like an MTX tranny that is around 80lbs and more manageable to move around.

No worries, i might source a hoist for that. I just want to know if its possible to get tranny out without subframe removal.

 

[Kebabaluba]

Here's a post, I had a shop fix my tranny, but I thought the front subframe was dropped as the front motor mount was bad as well, and I had to provide one to them. A Helm manual is what the Ford techs used, they are available on ebay

93 ATX - Remove Engine without Trans?

I'm working on replacing the engine on my 93 SHO, I have everything disconnected but the ATX and it won't separate from the engine. I've removed all the bolts i can find and the four connecting the flex plate to the torq converter; what else am i missing. My goal is to pull the engine out the...

shoforum.com

Removing engine/atx

I was just curious about how hard it would be to pull the whole subframe from the car if you have the use of a regular garage, jack, stands, etc. I want to replace the rod bearings and i am also having issues with it starting when it wants to. It will turn over but not start. So the waterpump...

shoforum.com

After reading those links you provided, i consider engine removal from the top. I have access to a crane/hoist that might do the job.

 

[luigisho]

If you are going to pull the whole powertrain I would look at what other things need attention and attack them while everything is not constrained by room under the hood. Depending on mileage I would look at rod bearings if the engine was already out. I did mine with an engine out and it was so much easier like not having to lie on the ground to do it was even a bonus.

 

[Kebabaluba]

If you are going to pull the whole powertrain I would look at what other things need attention and attack them while everything is not constrained by room under the hood. Depending on mileage I would look at rod bearings if the engine was already out. I did mine with an engine out and it was so much easier like not having to lie on the ground to do it was even a bonus.

My crankshaft seal towards transmission is bad, seeps oil. That needs to be done if have engine out.
About those bearings, its a common issue on these engines? My engine sounds healthy, no knock and its past 100k miles on the clock.

 

[luigisho]

It is common on these engines. I would say 125k ish for mtx and maybe 150ish for atx is a fair benchmark to change them for maintenance. ATX cars are a little less harsh but they do wear. If the engine was out and over 100k I would do it just to get it out of the way. It's very easy and just one major potential issue to cross off the list going forward.

In fact, depending on the last timing belt change, I would do that and front main seal also. I tore mine apart and without having the in-car space confines--sooo much better. Rear main and carrier seal with tran ny removed already is no brainer. You're making me miss repairs on the engine stand vs wrestling with everything

 

[Kebabaluba]

It is common on these engines. I would say 125k ish for mtx and maybe 150ish for atx is a fair benchmark to change them for maintenance. ATX cars are a little less harsh but they do wear. If the engine was out and over 100k I would do it just to get it out of the way. It's very easy and just one major potential issue to cross off the list going forward.

In fact, depending on the last timing belt change, I would do that and front main seal also. I tore mine apart and without having the in-car space confines--sooo much better. Rear main and carrier seal with tran ny removed already is no brainer. You're making me miss repairs on the engine stand vs wrestling with everything

Speaking of the devil, i need to inspect that timing belt too since i have no service history on the car. But first thing is get the car running by putting another tranny in.

 

[Kebabaluba]

I have one question, can i use AX4N transmission instead of AXODE/AX4S transmission in my SHO? I have a bit hard time finding donor AX4S transmission.

 

[Bryan]

Get an engine hoist. They are relativity inexpensive and it gives you so much wiggle room. Also dam... The auto trans weighs like 250lbs? Wholly crap! Thats a chunky slush box!

 

[zoomlater]

I have one question, can i use AX4N transmission instead of AXODE/AX4S transmission in my SHO? I have a bit hard time finding donor AX4S transmission.

from a post from the past

AX4N Compatibility to replace AX4S

I have an '93 3.2 with the an AX4S that is exhibiting issues associated with a cracked FWD Clutch piston. I have the opportunity to purchase a used 2002 AX4N. I have read that the AX4N is a better alternative. Can I swap in a 2002 AX4N? Will it fit? Is it compatible with the '93s electronics?

shoforum.com

 

[Kebabaluba]

from a post from the past

AX4N Compatibility to replace AX4S

I have an '93 3.2 with the an AX4S that is exhibiting issues associated with a cracked FWD Clutch piston. I have the opportunity to purchase a used 2002 AX4N. I have read that the AX4N is a better alternative. Can I swap in a 2002 AX4N? Will it fit? Is it compatible with the '93s electronics?

shoforum.com

Great post. Seems like i need SHO specific AX4S transmission due to gear ratios