How to take out TH350 transmission?

[sbx22]

Ok, I'm starting on my long journey to get my dad's work truck into a respectable truck. My first task is taking out the TH350 tranny and get a rebuilt one. First thing I ran into, how the heck do I disconnect the driveshaft from the tranny? I think it's called the "yoke", that I'm stuck at, the "t" joint between the tranny and driveshaft. Is there a special tool? I've banged out one of the metal caps, I can't get the other out at all. Thanks ahead of time.

FYI, I'm a newbie to Chevy trucks (I have an Acura), but I love them.

[Irish_Alley]

take the bolts on the yoke off the rear. then slide the transmission yoke into the trans a little the rear u joint will fall out of the axle yoke and then just slide the shaft out of the trans

[sbx22]

OK, so sounds like I need to disconnect the rear yoke first in order to get the front one off the tranny? Wow, didn't know that. Sounds like I'm essentially taking out the whole driveshaft. Thanks for the help. I'll be back on if I run into anything else.

[Lt.Del]

keep a jack under the trans when removing the crossmember--you gotta have something there to hold the weight of the trans up while disconnecting the trans from the engine block.
don't forget removing the trans linkage, two fluid lines going to radiator, vacuum line to modulator, etc...

[team39763]

It helps to have a friend rotate and hold the crank for you while you remove the torque converter bolts.  Put something(a piece of wood or a metal plate) between the jack and the trans pan to keep from bending up the pan so much.  Plug the hole where the dipstick goes into the transmission pan, use a rag or something...it'll keep you from spilling fluid everywhere.  Good luck bro.

[87454westernhauler]

would it be a good idea to drain the transmission fluid when you are taking it out to decrease the weight and spilling hazzards?

[team39763]

If it has a drain plug it would be nice, but I didn't drain mine when I pulled it down.  I probably could have if I planned ahead.

[Psycho71]

You could, once you get the drive shaft out, finish removing the yoke from the driveshaft, slide it into the transmission, and it will keep the fluid from spilling when you pull the trans... Also, find something to plug the hole for the filler tube too. It will spill fluid if tipped over.

And yes, if you have done it yet, definitely unbolt the torque converter and pull everything at once. Much easier that way.