The Beginner's Guide to Transmission Jacks

Do you regularly work on automotive transmissions? Whether you're a professional mechanic, or if you work exclusively on your own vehicles, you may need to remove old transmissions and install new transmissions.

Like engines, however, transmissions are heavy. Some of them weigh about 100 pounds, whereas others weigh up to 500 pounds. Regardless of their weight, you can easily remove and install transmissions using a transmission jack.

What Is a Transmission Jack?

A transmission jack is a hydraulic lifting device used to support and lift a vehicle’s transmission. It's commonly used to remove old transmission and install new transmissions. It consists of a hydraulic cylinder that's connected to a base with wheels. At the top of the hydraulic cylinder is a lifting platform for the transmission. 

Most transmission jacks are controlled by a foot pump or hand lever. After positioning a transmission jack under an old transmission, you can use the foot pump or hand lever to raise it. As the platform raises, it will lift the old transmission out of the engine bay.

Reasons to Use a Transmission Jack

Using a transmission jack will lower the risk of damage to the transmissions on which you work. Other types of jacks and lifting devices aren't designed for transmissions. Even if you're able to lift a transmission using an alternative device, it may result in damage. Transmission jacks offer a safer way to work on transmissions. They will gently lift and lower transmissions without exposing them to wear and tear.

Another reason to use a transmission jack is safety. Attempting to manually lift a transmission is never a good idea. Transmissions aren't just heavy; they are bulky and awkward to handle. Even if you're able to lift a transmission on your own, you may pull a muscle or otherwise injure yourself. A transmission jack will allow you to safely remove transmissions without placing yourself at risk for bodily injury.

Common Features of Transmission Jacks

While they are all designed to lift and lower transmissions, there are different types of transmission jacks. Some of them have different features than others.

An adjustable saddle is a common feature of transmission jacks. The saddle is the platform on which you place a transmission. An adjustable saddle means you can adjust it to fit the transmission with which you use it.

Most transmission jacks have wheels on the bottom. Why do wheels matter? Whether you're removing an old transmission or installing a new one, you'll probably need to move it.  If a transmission jack has wheels, you can roll it across your garage or workspace.