2004 Pontiac GTO Clutch Install - Shifting Stability

Remove the exhaust resonator support brackets (which are held on with 15mm nuts and bolts) from both the resonators and the transmission. While the resonators sure do look like catalytic converters, the actual cats are upstream, nestled near where the firewall meets the floorpan. Now is also a good time to drain the transmission if you plan on changing the fluid or converting it to synthetic, as we will later. The drain plug is clearly marked on the side of the case.

Using a transmission jack, support the T56 (keep in mind these transmissions are front heavy).

Unbolt the transmission-to-frame bracket from the frame with a 15mm ratchet or wrench.

Remove the transmission to bellhousing bolts. A VERY long extension, or combination of extensions and swivel head sockets, will more than likely be required to reach them all. Now is a good time to disconnect and put aside any electrical connectors that need to be removed such as the transmission computer-aided gear selection (C.A.G.S.) solenoid connector, the reverse lockout, and the O2 sensor connectors.

Depending on your setup, you may also have to remove the shifter-to-tailhousing bolts to move the shifter assembly forward enough to clear the back of the opening for the shifter. You can, of course, completely remove the shifter at this time or before you start dropping out the transmission. However, there is limited access to the bolts while the transmission is still installed in the Pontiac.

As we learned after actually getting the transmission out of the car, it really helps to remove the rear frame to transmission brace from the unit to clear the exhaust on the way down.

Remove the transmission from the Pontiac. It's obviously quite heavy, so be careful when handling it.

With the transmission out of the way, unbolt and remove the bellhousing from the Pontiac.

Unbolt the pressure plate (using a 13mm socket) and remove it. This job requires gloves as the edges of the stock pressure plate can be quite sharp.