Removing the transmission on a Ford Explorer can be a difficult task because the working conditions are tight underneath the truck. The transmission can be removed in a couple of hours without a lot of headaches. Use caution working under the truck by ensuring the wheels are properly chocked and the parking brake is set.
Open the hood to access the battery on the driver's side of the truck. Disconnect the battery with a socket wrench.
Raise the front of the Explorer with a jack. Place the jack stands under the front crossmember and lower the truck on to the jack stands. This will provide plenty of room to work.
Disconnect the electrical connectors at the side of the transmission by hand. Ensure all the connectors are disconnected.
Unbolt the crossmember directly under the tail shaft with a socket wrench. Unbolt the tailshaft from the crossmember to free it from the bottom of the truck. There will be a series of bolts to unscrew to free the crossmember.
Unscrew the hanger bolts holding the drive shaft in place with a socket wrench. Pull the drive shaft out of the back of the transmission. Let the drive shaft rest on the ground.
Unbolt the starter at the front of the engine with a socket wrench. Unbolt the wiring from the starter with the ratchet. There will be two wiring harnesses to remove.
Unscrew the transmission cooler fluid lines with a line wrench. Ensure both lines are disconnected.
Place the jack under the tailshaft of the transmission. Strap the back of the transmission to the jack. This will help prevent the transmission from falling to the ground.
Unscrew the nine bolts holding the transmission to the engine. They will be centered around the back of the transmission's bell housing.
Raise the transmission up with the jack and pull it away from the engine. Slide the transmission out from under the truck. Some assistance may be required because the transmission is heavy.
