Replacing Transmission

[e46s54dr]

If the alignment of the clutch is good, bench pressing a ZF in is no big deal.

...that said, I dropped a ZF310 on my chest once, when my arms gave up after wrestling with it for 10-15 minutes. That was painful.

In all honesty, the zf transmission isnt even heavy at all. When I changed the clutch for my buddys m3, I let the transmission rest up ony chest and stomach before lifting it up and sliding it into place. Once in place, I used my knee to brace it up while puttin in the side bolts to he it in place. It may be because of the fact that I'm a big rig mechanic so everything on a regular small car seems light to me. LOL.

Replacing the short subframe bolts with longer ones is the best way to do it. Even though it'll drop everything down 2-3 inches, it makes a world of difference.

[cabin]

Thanks for all the replies, they are much appreciated!

I am going to lower the subframe as recommended, sounds like the easiest method and go from there. I have decided to replace the input seal once again and see if that solves my leak. I think I may have f'd it up the first time around. If not, then it's time for a new ZF.

What size subframe bolts should I look for?

[nrubenstein]

One pair of subframe bolts is longer than the other. I can't remember which, so check on realoem. Just swap the long ones into the short holes and you're good.

[nrubenstein]

In all honesty, the zf transmission isnt even heavy at all. When I changed the clutch for my buddys m3, I let the transmission rest up ony chest and stomach before lifting it up and sliding it into place. Once in place, I used my knee to brace it up while puttin in the side bolts to he it in place. It may be because of the fact that I'm a big rig mechanic so everything on a regular small car seems light to me. LOL.

Replacing the short subframe bolts with longer ones is the best way to do it. Even though it'll drop everything down 2-3 inches, it makes a world of difference.

Not using truck type jack stands was probably my biggest mistake. The crappy short car ones didn't give me enough room to do something like get my knee in there.

...that and I'm a paper pusher, so the muscles don't get quite the same opportunity to build up. :)

[cabin]

Maybe I am missing something here but realoem calls out the same bolt for all 4 subframe mounting holes.

[graphikg]

In all honesty, the zf transmission isnt even heavy at all. When I changed the clutch for my buddys m3, I let the transmission rest up ony chest and stomach before lifting it up and sliding it into place. Once in place, I used my knee to brace it up while puttin in the side bolts to he it in place. It may be because of the fact that I'm a big rig mechanic so everything on a regular small car seems light to me. LOL.

Ya, the tranny isnt actually very heavy. I am sure I can bench press it up there, but I dont know about getting my knee there to brace it up.

Quick question though, when the tranny is off like this, isnt it a good time to also do the oil pan gasket? What part of the steering column do you loosen to drop the subframe?

[87e30]

i'm pretty thin, I used my entire chest and arms and knees to wiggle it on. I was using the getrag though. Definitely doable for someone who is just about any size/strength.