Trans replacement on AWD auto

[Crenshaw]

Hey guys! Love the forum. My family's had 4-5 previas throughout the years and has only recently moved on to more "modern" vehicles. My friend still has one though and just blew the trans a few days ago. I found a used one fairly close for $350 and am preparing to swap it this week.

I have neither a previa or a factory service manual in front of me for reference and I can't get a grasp on how involved pulling the trans is. The program I used at my old shop, Mitchell Pro-Demand indicates that the removal is fairly straightforward but I've also heard the engine/subframe/etc needs to come out in order to access it.

Which is it?

Thanks in advance for any info! This could be the difference between saving this particular van or replacing it with another craigslist special.

[pdgizwiz]

Here are some stream-of-consciousness tips. I'm sure I'm missing something.
There's no sub-frame to remove. It is a straightforward job and a lot easier than getting the engine disconnected from everything. You do have to get everything up pretty high, though, so see that you have enough jack stands or other substantial items to get the van high enough to pull the transmission out from under the van once it's disconnected. Be safe.
I suggest a cheap Harbor Freight transmission jack. The Alltrac transmission is a heavy beast. Remove both driveshafts, since it's an Alltrac. Remove the starter and the tin plate, then remove the six bolts that hold the torque converter to the flex plate, rotating the engine to get to them all. Disconnect the wires, coolant lines, and speedo connection. Raise the rear of the van somewhat more than the front, so that when the transmission mounts are unbolted from the body (and the front engine mounts are left attached) the engine/transmission can be lowered a bit, tilting it back so that the top trans/engine bolts can be accessed. You may need to disconnect some items on the engine to get the tilt. Exhaust pipe? Some wires? Get the transmission jack strapped to the transmission and support the engine with something else. If you get the angle right the transmission will be level and can be rolled straight back on the jack's wheels. Leave everything in the same location to slide the new transmission up to the engine.
Pay attention to the position of the torque converter on the input shaft. There are at least two sets of hidden splines and unless the are engaged and the torque converter is fully seated on the transmission, the trans won't mate to the engine. If you try to pull them together by tightening the bolts, you'll break stuff and be screwed.
Good luck! With patience you'll figure it out.
Oh, and don't forget to do all the important stuff I've forgotten http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.png