Fluid Drive - B4B

[Bobacuda]

While taking off the parts to get to the throwout bearing when the replacement parts and the new trans jack get here, I got to wondering - how many of the folks here have seen a Fluid Drive in a truck?  My truck is a 3-on-the-tree.  Anyhow, here are a couple of photos I took while taking a break from banging my head on the bottom of the truck. Due to the fluid coupler, the input shaft into the trans is damn long, which helps to make it a real PITA to get the trans past the cab cross member (just above and behind the e-brake) without upsetting the clutch parts.  I guess I can't complain too much - this is only the third time in 47 years I have had to open this up for a repair or rebuild.  This time I will see if it is any easier to do this hunched over or on my back, in the dirt...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

that last picture shows the truck flipped onto its back....got to be easier.....lol

[JBNeal]

Prop up the fuel tank, remove 10 bolts, and that crossmember can be removed, allowing the Fluid Drive transmission to slide right on out ?

 

additional information - Fluid Drive general dimensions

[Merle Coggins]

My truck has Fluid Drive with the larger 4 speed trans. When I pulled my trans to do clutch work I had to remove that cross member. I dropped the fuel tank out first, then removed the cross member. With the larger trans the park brake drum is pretty much right up against the cross member so it has to be removed to remove the trans. 

 

[Bobacuda]

The brake on the 3 spd is small enough to clear the cross member.  The hump on top of the trans and the shifter arms on the left are the limiting factor. It appears the trans can slide straight back about 8” before the cross member is a problem.  I have pulled the trans 2 previous times and never pulled the cross member. 
 

It’s been a while, but I think I rotated the trans to the left till the hump was cleared the cross member, then pulled it install was just the opposite. 
 

This will be the first time I have done this using a lift and high lift trans jack. And as always, I’ll be doing it by myself. Hope I can avoid gravity for this project. 

[Bobacuda]

Oh, and I did remove the arms and levers from the e-brake. The band is still attached, but that’s it. Soon as the trans jack gets here, I’ll find out?