Difficulty: Very Difficult (professional recommended)
Tools and Equipment Required:
* Transmission Jack: Absolutely essential to safely support the transmission.
* Engine Support: To prevent engine damage during removal and installation.
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for proper tightening of bolts to avoid leaks and damage.
* Transmission Fluid: The correct type and quantity for your Expedition's transmission.
* Sockets, Wrenches, and other hand tools: A comprehensive set will be needed.
* Shop Manual: A factory service manual is invaluable for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams.
* Clean work area: Keep everything organized to avoid losing parts.
* Possibly a transmission cooler line disconnect tool: May be necessary depending on your Expedition's configuration.
General Steps (highly simplified - consult a shop manual for detail):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the battery negative terminal.
2. Drain Transmission Fluid: Completely drain the transmission fluid.
3. Raise and Secure Vehicle: Use jack stands securely.
4. Remove Transmission Cooler Lines: Disconnect the transmission cooler lines, carefully collecting any remaining fluid.
5. Disconnect Driveshaft(s): Separate the driveshafts from the transmission.
6. Disconnect Electrical Connectors: Disconnect all electrical connectors from the transmission.
7. Remove Transmission Shifter Linkage: Disconnect the linkage from the transmission.
8. Remove Transmission Mount(s): Remove the transmission mount(s) that secure the transmission to the vehicle.
9. Support Transmission: Use the transmission jack to support the transmission's weight as you disconnect the remaining fasteners.
10. Remove Transmission: Carefully lower the transmission using the jack.
11. Remove Torque Converter: The torque converter will either bolt to the transmission or be held in place by a flexplate (requires special tools).
12. Install New Torque Converter: Carefully install the new torque converter, ensuring proper alignment.
13. Install Transmission: Carefully reinstall the transmission using the transmission jack.
14. Reconnect Everything: Re-attach all components, lines, and connectors in reverse order of removal.
15. Fill Transmission with Fluid: Fill the transmission with the correct type and amount of fluid.
16. Start Engine and Check for Leaks: Check for leaks, and ensure the transmission operates correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Transmission Type: Knowing your exact transmission type is critical for obtaining the correct torque converter and parts.
* Fluid Type: Use the exact transmission fluid specified in your owner's manual.
* Torque Specifications: Adhering to the proper torque specifications is vital to prevent damage.
* Alignment: Proper alignment of the torque converter and transmission is crucial for proper operation.
Recommendation: This job is complex and requires specialized tools and knowledge. Unless you have significant experience working on transmissions, it's strongly recommended that you take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic specializing in automatic transmission repair. Improper installation can lead to significant damage to your transmission and potentially your engine. The cost of repair from a mistake is likely much higher than the cost of professional service.
