Modify Your Harbor Freight Floor Jack to Lift Transmissions!

Instead of buying a Harbor Freight transmission jack, let's make an adapter for the 2-ton Harbor Freight aluminum floor jack that you already have!

[@70stingray1]

I did this a few years back with a 4L80 4x4, one heavy SOB! Worked like a charm!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

If you've ever tried to balance a transmission on the small pad of a floor jack and then tried to shift the weight even by a little, you understand how difficult gravity can make things! LOL!

[@sizzle073]

Looks like you can use that upgrade for other things like gas tank install, or anything that has a wider base. I like it!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Well, I'm on the second torque converter and flywheel since deciding to change the transmission, so the cost went to that!

[@Horrible_Deplorable]

I've always wrestled the trans by hand. This will definitely help out.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Exactly what I was trying to avoid too!

[@FlowingBackwards]

Hey, thanks for posting this your The Man! Saved me from buying a transmission jack. Mine didn't look as pretty but it did the trick.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@MagaRickn]

Nice! Never would have thought to use plywood. With your welding skills, I bet you could fabricate a nice metal one too! Necessity is the mother of invention! :)

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I'm not about overdoing temporary stuff! If I had a transmission shop and did more than 1 every 5 years, I'd have done something more involved. But I'm going to invest that time in other car things!

[@bradenjones4708]

Looks like it works like a charm. Very helpful video

[@RestoringChristine1956]

YES! It did! Truth told, I used that jack to pull that transmission out THREE TIMES over the course of two weekends!

[@WayneBarroncffcs]

I was thinking of using wood to make one. Glad I found your video. Just have to see if I've got everything I need. Thank you.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

The trick is knowing about that allen bolt and then figuring out how to attach to the swivel plate. I was making it up as I went and it worked fine!

[@randye8704]

I was looking on FB market for transmission jack, but this will save me money and storage space! Thank you for posting this!!!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Glad I could help!

[@franciscoceballos583]

Thanks for the update I will use that for my transmission

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Happy to help!

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

As I'm sure you know, the lift pad on most, if not all floor jacks are removable that way. Years ago, I didn't have a nice shop and an actual transmission jack like I do now. When it came time for a new clutch in my Ranger, I made an wooden "adapter" out of a 2x2, a 1x3, a couple short pieces of light duty chain and a bunch of deck screws. I didn't even have a big floor jack at the time but, the cheap, hardware store trolley jack, along with my "adapter" got the job done. While I wouldn't WANT to, if it had to be done, I could always make another one just like it. Sometimes, you just have to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I watch some KZbinrs that spend more time making the tool than they do actually using it. I don't know that I've got that kind of patience, but this one was a necessity!

[@MarcBchannel]

Everything is so expensive these days. It seems like nowadays I'm making tools with junk lying around rather than buying. I can make a tool thats inexpensive and that is better adapted to my needs. Thx to videos like yours we can all be a little more resourceful and self reliant when we need to get jobs done👍

[@RestoringChristine1956]

You know, I could have afforded that jack... just didn't want to! LOL! Nah, I'm all about grabbing a piece of scrap and turning it into something useful. Not worthy of being put in a trophy case, but USEFUL!

[@dariusstack]

When ttimes is hard n 💰 tight people end up developing serious skills up outt nowhere good job man 💪💪💪💪

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Believe me, there are plenty of other things competing for that $200! LOL!

[@VintageCarHistory]

Nicely done!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Congrats on your milestone!

[@bigblockkings1031]

Good idea sir. The problem with specialty tools is that you might use it a few times then they just sit there crowding an already crowded garage even more. Then I you have them you can always loan it out to your good friends who will return it. 👍

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Believe me, I'm getting my money's worth out of that adapter. I pulled the old one out, put the new one in, took the new one out, modified the converter, and am now about to pull it out AGAIN to change the flex plate this weekend.

[@brianharrod4124]

Sweet build, just what I was looking for😊

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Yes! Use that money on OTHER Harbor Freight toys! LOL!

[@rgg7260]

great idea....gonna mod my HF jack! thanks man!!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Good luck and spend that money on something else!

[@kidjeff4304]

great mod. I was not wpecting to see plywood on your channel, but that is a nice way to save 2 and a half bills! maybe wrap the sides in pipe strap or bent flat bar. hope you are well man!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I've never been able to throw away anything that I think might have some useful value down the road. I had a piece of plywood, and there we went!

[@savage3960]

Very good improvisation.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Glad you like it!

[@DavidDavid-uh8ry]

I want to see the 56 chevy build. I did the exact same car in the 70's. Not to stock, bucket seats, 327 W/ double hump heads, 4 speed trany, headers, that kind of thing. Been a long time ago. Forgot about it till this vid.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

There's a year's worth of footage over 58 episodes so far! It's a lot to catch up on!

[@SSR2696]

Just saved me a transmission jack purchase 👍

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Glad I could help!

[@Malthanis]

Thanks for the video, you saved me some money 😁

[@RestoringChristine1956]

That's the goal!

[@A-DUBCLUB]

thanks for the idea mate. im planning to pull my transmission on a audi a4 for clutch job and was weighing up whether to spend 100 for the transmission jack adapter that adapts to my existing low profile jack then i saw this video. pretty sure i can whipp up something like this

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks! I was in the same boat: not wanting to try to balance it on the small disc of the floor jack and yet not ready to spend a lot of money on a specialized jack that would live most of its life sitting in a corner. Glad it helped!

[@vrm86gt]

Good job! Going to do something similar!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Use your imagination! I did this with SCRAPS, cost ZERO dollars, and worked great!

[@CavanalK5]

Many thanks! I’d rather spend the coin on an extra garage jack and adapt as you have. Then I have 2 jack when I need them. Rock on 🤘🏼 👊🏼Subscribed!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks for the sub!

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

You've inspired me. I can do this.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Absolutely! A drill, some plywood and screws, and there you go!

[@reedjacksonmaccom]

friggen YES!!! good job man. gonna help me this weekend. thank you

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Can't beat FREE! LOL! Hope you got your transmission done!

[@hefnerdon7462]

How did that job go man? Go any pics

[@reedjacksonmaccom]

Totally went well. I actually had to do it twice because I put in the rear main seal wrong the first time. 😩 How do I share pictures?

[@reedjacksonmaccom]

My jack does not have a bolt, so I drilled three holes in the pad and screwed in my transmission board. Plywood. even mad some blocks to really hold the trans evenly.

[@talusuu2606]

rajah i going use this thank you brada

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Hope it helps!

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

New subscriber 🔥🔥🔥

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks for the sub! Glad to have you along for the ride!

[@dontrompas1312]

Thank you sir you've earned my subscription 😊😎

[@RestoringChristine1956]

THANKS! Always trying to help!

[@edwinadkins]

Great idea I'm getting ready to put the transmission in my Ford f150 4wd by myself so I need all the help I can get

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Hope it helps!

[@brendonteruna2366]

Mean bro I modified mine coz ido holden transmissions and wasn't the greatest stability😂but this is waay better im gona do like this 100% thanks bro

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Go for it!

[@ThePaintPaperHustle]

This is amazing. Thanks dude!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Secret back story - my rubber pad ripped off the jack, exposing the little hex bolt. I said to myself... so THAT's how it attaches! And then I did this!

[@ThePaintPaperHustle]

@@RestoringChristine1956 well glad it did lol

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

Great idea! I had been thinking of how I could use all the 2x4's and 1x4s in my shop to devise something to pull a tranny. I didn't want to spend $130 for something I will only use once in many years.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Good deal! Hope it helps!

[@WibbyKDX]

Thank you sir!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

You're very welcome! Hope it helps!

[@richardchretien7412]

Great idea.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

And it WORKED!

[@user-jm8pv1mc2n]

Great video. I have the same aluminum jack. I need to pull the tranny out of my 47 Dodge truck. Time to get busy on my jack modification.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I was so happy that I didn't spend that $200 on the specialty jack that would be sitting in the corner, collecting dust!

[@brianspellman9646]

Cool. I am in progress of removing C6 transmission off the 1976 Ford Econoline with a jack and short piece of scrap 2 x 4 lumber. I better do your way.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Having that sheet of plywood secure to slide the pan on without worrying about it having to teeter and balance made all the difference in the world.

[@underourrock]

Great idea. I might suggest some glued and screwed ribs on the bottom side, but not critical. The short screws are just for clamping force because who has time to wait for wood glue to dry? Not saying your 3/4" plywood isn't strong, it sure is! I'm just thinking as that board ages it might get a little weaker over time and those ribs on the bottom would add some great reinforcement. For my use I think I might need an extra block on one side, but with wood, that would be easy enough to screw into place. Thanks for the great idea! Another idea: It might be worth sealing the wood with something cheap. Paste wax maybe.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

When I made it, I guess I was thinking it could be one-and-done and I didn't have to worry about it having to be durable for multiple uses. And then I ended up using it SEVERAL times because that transmission went through no fewer than 3 in and outs before I got it right!

[@underourrock]

@@RestoringChristine1956 I can totally relate. That's why I tend to over engineer things because of I make it well I almost always end up using it again. Also, no plan arrives first contact with the enemy. My jack was just a little too short so I ended up using multiple layers of plywood screwed together. No ribs needed there but might be useful to prevent sliding on the platform jack so I may add a couple anyway. Your video was really helpful. Thanks!

[@moparnut6286]

Your mod to the jack was great and is a great money safer.... But I own the bigger HFT trans jack and that thing is sweet it rolls smooth on my 4x8 sheets of wood it tilts in two derictions I can remove and install a 727 in my charger in an hour it's just to easy I have used regular jacks before with the adapter they sell and gave it away to a friend and even had the small scissor style and gave that one away too and they all payed for themselves.... I even changed the trans on my 87 in the dead of winter. Outside with the HFT tranny jack it may cost a little bit but when you need easy of use and manuverablity it just the way to go.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Oh, I don't doubt the HFT's jack's worth or value, its just that for a one-time deal, I couldn't bring myself to go there. But, here I am three weeks later, about to take the transmission out a THIRD time. I did it twice that weekend and am now faced with changing what we think is a cracked flex plate. Doing that tomorrow!

[@moparnut6286]

@@RestoringChristine1956 AWW man that sucks! Hope you get it this time and it goes good.

[@dotell3359]

Pretty smart 🤓👍

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks! It worked really well!

[@donchoate13]

Hey Bill what’s those grinding discs u said were beyond awesome.? The name started with an f . Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Pferd is one, Walter Flex-cut is the other. The Pferd is a cutting material that is epoxy/cement coated onto a backing plate. The Walter looks like a stone type.

[@omcasanova]

Genius, sorry, I’m going to copy this.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

That's the point - copy away! Glad to be helpful!

[@mikeward2922]

inspirational

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks! Some things just seem to work that way!

[@theodorecurrie5580]

Very great concept and it will work but how do you tilt it in case the front of the transmission needs to go up or down?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I found that If I got it close, it was really easy to just push up or pull down on the tail piece to get it in alignment. And I didn't use those straps at all. It wasn't as much finesse as I planned for it to be!

[@donchoate13]

Ok I’ll go for that . I guess I was off on the spelling it was a P not a F . LOL thanks again.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I think you need to buy them directly, but they do have an Amazon store. They're very pricey, but worth it!

[@johnwerner7194]

Nice

[@RestoringChristine1956]

👍😎

[@joewolf4483]

Cool idea ..... I think I would use bigger bolts and nuts instead of drywall screws but if it holds it holds ...... good luck with the tranny job ....

[@RestoringChristine1956]

The weight of the transmission is pretty much over the center of the plate, with or without the converter. It was pretty stable and didn't shift at all.

[@nathanielbolden5053]

Ay bro I noticed you got two of my street signs there I see N.Villert/Delery you from New Orleans?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Absolutely! I'm in Metairie, but have lived around NOLA my whole life. The significance of those signs? I was working the Lower 9 after Katrina and had to pick those up to keep from running over them sometime in October 2005. There is a piece of rebar hanging up there from the floodwall that broke where the barge came in.

[@johnwhitehurst474]

Suggestrion from a guy who has been there quite often, keeps tranny fluid off floor. On your tail shaft wrap it in saran wrap fold over and Dyu tape to Tail housing. Jack no lean, use a two by four under front of tranny as it hangs down deegres will be obvious, you will know how far it leands down Two by four or 2x2 s to chock it up so it want slip around. Use same when you go back in with it foor bell housingline up. I assume auto trans, while wood base was for auto trans, my guess. Not stick.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Appreciate the tips! I guess I could have wrapped the tail shaft and left the fluid in, but I wanted to have it drained for storage so that I didn't have to fight that fluid in the future. One thing sure, transmission fluid is going to find a way to make a mess, no matter what! LOL!

[@josejimenez6152]

I like good Job me justa thank you

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Great! Hope it helps!

[@lamountdais9319]

If you gave the size of the Allen that would have been great. Good vid thou.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I believe it was an 8mm. I have a set for brake calipers and just fumble around until I get the one that fits!

[@texasrex2557]

What did you do for tilt?

[@RestoringChristine1956]

The car was tilted upward slightly, but I was able to rock the transmission housing upward without much effort.