dropping trans, how the @#!# to get the top bolts?

[ScHpAnKy]

Trying to drop the trans yesterday resulted in the following:

-broken heart
-busted knuckles

What wasn't a result of yesterday's endevours:
-dropping transmission


My question to ya'll is, how the hell did you get to the top bolts on the bellhousing? I heard something about using longer bolts for the subframe, is there a part# to go by? What's the easiest method to drop it? Do you absolutely have to pull the front part of the driveshaft? I already removed the exhaust and heatshields, I have that stupid "driveshaft dampener" that I'll probably have to cut off. Also

My plan was to loosen the bellhousing bolts, loosen the driveshaft from the output shaft on the transmission, and then lower the transmission onto a transmission jack as I undo the crossmember.

[jlevie]

Disconnect the motor from the mounts and use a hoist or engine brace to lift the front of the motor with the transmission cross member off. Then you can get to the top bolts with extensions & swivel. A helper will make this a lot easier, especially for the starter bolts.

[ScHpAnKy]

Disconnect the motor from the mounts and use a hoist or engine brace to lift the front of the motor with the transmission cross member off. Then you can get to the top bolts with extensions & swivel. A helper will make this a lot easier, especially for the starter bolts.

what are there for lifting points on the m20? I didn't think you had to lift the engine at all to drop the transmission

[N2MYE30]

what are there for lifting points on the m20? I didn't think you had to lift the engine at all to drop the transmission

You dont but its far easier if you do. Maybe loosening the engine mount bolts and have a buddy of yours tilt it.

[M-technik-3]

Not bad if you work with two people. One to put the tork on the to turn the rachet. I used a 36" and two swivels and two 18" bars.

Have done a decent amount so each one seems to get easier.

[MR 325]

Of course you need to remove the driveshaft, how else to you plan to get the transmission out? You should also remove the trans mount completely and shifter assembly completely (although these things seem obvious to me). You absolutely do not need to touch the engine mounts or lift the engine, I promise you this. You will need a long extension with a swivel joint on it. An impact would definitely help but it can be done without it.

[shiboujin]

lift the engine to get to the trans bolts? WTF?

drop trans brace, let the trans angle down, get to top bolts with a fack load of extensions. I've done it dozens of times without an engine hoist.