Separate Transmission from Engine on frame?

[sdb8100]

I have a rolling chassis [no body on frame]. I want to separate the transmission from the the motor to check the pilot bushing and some other stuff, but would love to not have to get out the crane, unbolt the motor and lift everything to separate the two. It looks like that's the case, but I was just curious if anyone had success separating these two assemblies leaving the engine mounted [and supported from underneath]? This is a u20 w/ 5spd.

Thx!

[spl310]

I haven't done it, but don't see why it would be an issue. Block under the oil pan, unbolt the bell housing, unbolt the mount and crossmember and pull.

[sdb8100]

seems like the boss that extends off the transmission housing where the tranny mount/crossmember is would hit the frame X as you pull back. I'm curious if there is just enough room to pull back and then up a little to clear that...

Not too much effort to try it out, but curious for anyone out there who's attempted.

[Curtis]

I did a trial fit on the 5 speed with the body off and had no problem. Put the empty block on and supported it and then hung the transmission.

[sdb8100]

Great! Thanks for the confirmation on that. I'll give it a try and report back.

[Curtis]

You're welcome. I put motor mounts on and lifted the bare block in without a hoist. A bare block is a lot heavier than you might think. I should have asked for help.

[redroadster]

Sounds like a finger smasher
04 Mitsu EVOs required the bumper cover to be removed to replace the headline bulb , takes 2-3 people 15 min to get the cover back right

[Curtis]

Sounds like a finger smasher

More like a back popper. Didn't feel like getting out the lift and knew I could lift it.

[DAC21]

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So in spite of all the threads saying you have to pull the Engine and Tranny as one unit, it now appears...not necessarily?

[Curtis]

ONLY if the BODY is off.

[DAC21]

ONLY if the BODY is off.

OK, missed that. So for most all needing a new clutch, never mind.

[Curtis]

ONLY if the BODY is off.

OK, missed that. So for most all needing a new clutch, never mind.

Ya, it sucks. But climbing under on jack stands sucks too.

[bmccarthy67]

I didn't want to support the engine on the comp pan so I ran a nylon strap across the back and lifted. I know you said you didn't want to break out the lift, but I was able to loosen the motor mount nuts and barely lift the engine allowing me to pull the 5 speed. I'm sure it would work without the lift, but I let it hold the weight while I did my upgrade.

[img2]http://www.mydatsun.com/images/8%20tran ... ustom).jpg[/img2]

v/r
Buddy

[sdb8100]

My lift is at another garage, not my home base garage where I’m working on my car. If I can do without,the process would be much more streamlined. I probably won’t get to it until the weekend the way things are going this week. The discussion is great. Thanks all.

[Curtis]

I suppose if I had a comp pan I might be more careful too. But, one would think that was figured in to the design of the pan and it is a box structure. Even with my crappy old steel pan I always use a piece of plywood under it.