T56 Magnum Shifter Removal

[dhuff]

Does anyone know if it is possible to remove the shifter from a T56 Magnum with the transmission in the car? There is a 3/4" tube above the shifter cover as shown here.

122729

How about the duct boot, can it be replaced with the trans in the car?

Considering whether or not the trans tunnel cover should be removable or just an appropriately sized opening at the sifter.

Thanks

[edwardb]

The T-56 shift plate is almost exactly like the TKO. Both require some clearance above to lift out. If the 3/4-inch tube is too close, it's pretty easy to unbolt the A-frame under the transmission and with a floor jack or transmission jack lower the tail of the transmission enough to get clearance. The motor mounts are flexible enough to let it drop. The driveshaft would just slide out some on the slip yoke, so nothing to do there. I've done this several times and it's not that hard. A little harder to reach around to the mounting bolts on the shift plate from the bottom though. But it's doable and not something you would expect to do very often if at all. Will caution you though Tremec uses some pretty strong sealant on that cover, if you haven't removed it before. Even with the bolts out, it takes some force to get it loose.

[Erik W. Treves]

my last 2 cars have had removable trans covers... I think it's a great idea!

[dhuff]

The T-56 shift plate is almost exactly like the TKO.

Thanks Edward.

Note that the T56 Magnum shift plate is larger with 6 bolts instead of the 4 on a TKO. With removal of the A-Frame the tail of the trans will drop about 2" since it extends past the 4" cross tube, giving a clearance of about 2.5" below the 3/4" tube.

[edwardb]

Thanks Edward.

Note that the T56 Magnum shift plate is larger with 6 bolts instead of the 4 on a TKO. With removal of the A-Frame the tail of the trans will drop about 2" since it extends past the 4" cross tube, giving a clearance of about 2.5" below the 3/4" tube.

Actually no. The TKO has 6 bolts and looks exactly like the T-56. Can't verify they're the same part, but very similar. When unbolted, very similar ball joint the shifter plugs into. Picture below from my #8674 build with a TKO. Correct though about dropping the A-frame. The transmission will only go down a couple inches. But it's enough to reach around to the bolts and remove the shifter. Not ideal, but I've done it. Removable trans cover is obviously more accessible.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Coyote%20Engine/.highres/IMG_0402_zpsgysh8rf1.jpg (https://app.photobucket.com/u/edwardb123/p/777518f5-4ffd-46b9-b602-030f29d7fd8f)

[dhuff]

Actually no. The TKO has 6 bolts and looks exactly like the T-56. Can't verify they're the same part, but very similar. When unbolted, very similar ball joint the shifter plugs into. Picture below from my #8674 build with a TKO. Correct though about dropping the A-frame. The transmission will only go down a couple inches. But it's enough to reach around to the bolts and remove the shifter. Not ideal, but I've done it. Removable trans cover is obviously more accessible.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Coyote%20Engine/.highres/IMG_0402_zpsgysh8rf1.jpg (https://app.photobucket.com/u/edwardb123/p/777518f5-4ffd-46b9-b602-030f29d7fd8f)
My bad. I do not have personal experience with the TKO and was basing my comment on the service manuals i saw on Tremec's web site. Obviously it was a generic depiction.

I have decided to make the trans tunnel top removable.

Thanks to for all for their input.
Dean

[facultyofmusic]

I'm here to confirm what Paul (edwardb) said. You can take out the transmission A frame and let the tail of the transmission rest on the 4 inch tubing, that will give you plenty of room to unbolt the 6 bolts on the red plate. You then need to apply blunt force sideways on the red plate to break the sealant. In this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXGe2dLnlMc) you can see the dude using a hammer on the plate.

[JohnK]

Ditto to all of the above. Some blunt force will be needed to break it loose, or try slipping a razor blade between the shifter plate and trans to break the RTV bond loose. When re-installing, use a little grey or black RTV.

[dbo_texas]

I'm assuming you need to put down a new bead of RTV when you re-install the shifter?

[JohnK]

I'm assuming you need to put down a new bead of RTV when you re-install the shifter?

The answer is literally one post above yours. ;)