Can it be done?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 180
Likes: 21
From: Chesterfield Mo
Can it be done?
I need to remove and replace the engine in a 75 to do some work in the engine bay. It is a stock L82 4 speed. After disconnecting everything I plan to unbolt bell housing and slide engine forward and out then reverse process to replace it. The radiator, shroud and fan will be removed. Is it feasible to leave the transmission and bell housing in the car? Will it be too difficult to line things up when reattaching the bell housing? It will save a lot of work if it can be done this way. Will be using typical engine hoist for the job.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
Leave the trans in. Doing a 68 BB tranny upgrade [LG700] engine will be in& out numerous times for fabing trans mount, Next 6t8SB, installing clutch can, trans stays in. Also a 69SB auto, new engine job. Left the trans in. All 3 in a row looks pretty cool. T
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 31
I vote on leaving the Trans attached. Having done it both ways, it is faster and easier to pull as a unit even if you do nothing to the Trans but bolt it back in (which you won't cause every one finds some reason to clean, inspect and paint 
) . And yes, can be done with a standard hoist. If you do decide to leave Trans in make sure to put good firm support under the Trans. You will wiggle stuff more than you think pulling the engine.
) . And yes, can be done with a standard hoist. If you do decide to leave Trans in make sure to put good firm support under the Trans. You will wiggle stuff more than you think pulling the engine.
Last edited by mrscott25; Jan 12, 2015 at 02:25 AM. Reason: formatting
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I've never needed to pull an engine/transmission combination out together. I've always pulled just the engine alone and left the transmission supported by some 2x4s. I've never experienced any problems trying to line everything up. So yes it can be done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 955
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Leave the trans in…I just did this in June 2014 on my 78 L-82 4 Speed. The benefits are:
1. No messing with the trans linkage rods.
2.It easier to maneuver the engine without the trans attached especially lifting over the front fender.
The only trouble i had was getting the engine reattached to the trans with the new clutch kit. I could not get the clutch to align with the trans shaft for the last 2 inches when reinstalling. Tip: Get the engine and trans as close to each other as possible, hook up the clutch linkage, and have a helper step on the clutch pedal as you push the engine towards the transmission-slid right on….Wish I knew that trick BEFORE the numerous attempts I did without the trick...
1. No messing with the trans linkage rods.
2.It easier to maneuver the engine without the trans attached especially lifting over the front fender.
The only trouble i had was getting the engine reattached to the trans with the new clutch kit. I could not get the clutch to align with the trans shaft for the last 2 inches when reinstalling. Tip: Get the engine and trans as close to each other as possible, hook up the clutch linkage, and have a helper step on the clutch pedal as you push the engine towards the transmission-slid right on….Wish I knew that trick BEFORE the numerous attempts I did without the trick...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 180
Likes: 21
From: Chesterfield Mo
I need to remove and replace the engine in a 75 to do some work in the engine bay. It is a stock L82 4 speed. After disconnecting everything I plan to unbolt bell housing and slide engine forward and out then reverse process to replace it. The radiator, shroud and fan will be removed. Is it feasible to leave the transmission and bell housing in the car? Will it be too difficult to line things up when reattaching the bell housing? It will save a lot of work if it can be done this way. Will be using typical engine hoist for the job.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I left the tranny in for an 81 several years ago. I used a floor jack to hold up the tranny and then cut an iron pipe to length and ran it across the frame rails. I then lowered the transmission onto the pipe and was able to roll the car outside so I could clean the engine bay in my driveway.
