Pull Engine: With Trans or Separate?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 4
From: Ft Myers Fl
Pull Engine: With Trans or Separate?
So, I've got the body off and nearly ready to pull the engine and auto trans off the frame. They will be restored separately.
Question: Pull them both off together and then separate them? Pull the engine first and support the trans? (I think this may be easier if I can support the front of the trans to the frame somehow).
I don't have a lot of room side to side and had intended to lift them out together, roll the chasis out of the garage and then separate them and store them to the side. I have an engine stand and will just keep the tranny on the floor under the body. Then, roll the chasis back into keep working on it. Basically, I need room to move the cherry picker, engine and stand and the frame needs to be rolled out temporarily. Make sense?
I do have a separate thread going w/ some pictures ... "Small Garage Restoration" ...
Question: Pull them both off together and then separate them? Pull the engine first and support the trans? (I think this may be easier if I can support the front of the trans to the frame somehow).
I don't have a lot of room side to side and had intended to lift them out together, roll the chasis out of the garage and then separate them and store them to the side. I have an engine stand and will just keep the tranny on the floor under the body. Then, roll the chasis back into keep working on it. Basically, I need room to move the cherry picker, engine and stand and the frame needs to be rolled out temporarily. Make sense?
I do have a separate thread going w/ some pictures ... "Small Garage Restoration" ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
is it a auto or 4 speed? the problem is the weight of the automatic trans. it's heavy and you'll need help to support it while disconnecting it from the engine if you pull them as a unit. if you remove the trans first with the hoist, it can be maneuvered onto a stand using the engine mounting bolt holes for support( the trans is top heavy and will be unstable). then pull the engine. i made a wooden platform that the trans oil pan fit into and attached chains to that for the lift. the transmission jack i have is too wobbly to support the th400.
if it's a 4 speed, make two studs (1/2" bolt 5"long with the head cut off and a screw-driver type slot cut in the non-threaded end), and screw them into the top two trans mouting holes. remove the two lower trans bolts and slide the trans rearward off the two studs. it weighs about 90 pounds so it's not too hard a job to handle.
if it's a 4 speed, make two studs (1/2" bolt 5"long with the head cut off and a screw-driver type slot cut in the non-threaded end), and screw them into the top two trans mouting holes. remove the two lower trans bolts and slide the trans rearward off the two studs. it weighs about 90 pounds so it's not too hard a job to handle.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 4
From: Ft Myers Fl
Question: I have a 2 ton cherry picker so I'm not worried about the total weight. Is the tranny too heavy for the bell housing to support it if I lift them together?
I like the transimission dolly but what I'd like to do is lift them together, roll the chasis out of the garage, lower the engine/tranny so that the tranny is resting on the dolly and then disconnect them while the engine is still on the lift ... make sense?
I like the transimission dolly but what I'd like to do is lift them together, roll the chasis out of the garage, lower the engine/tranny so that the tranny is resting on the dolly and then disconnect them while the engine is still on the lift ... make sense?
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Waynesboro PA
Yes it will be fine. One thing I'd do before pulling them together, get under the tranny and at least loosen the convertor bolts, I'd remove them it's much easier than after you pull it all out sitting on the floor.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
like i said, the question is, how are you going to handle the trans once it's disconnected from the engine? if you pull the engine/trans how are you going to support the unit while you remove the trans? two hoists? if it's a muncie, no problem. but if it's a th400, you've got a problem-it's a heavy soab.
if it's a mucie, use the hoist to lift the engine very slightly(just to support the weight), remove the trans and rest it on the floor or push it aside, and then lift the motor. but if it's a th400, you're going to have two heavy objects to move onto stands at the same time. pulling them as a unit isn't the problem- it's what comes next.
if it's a mucie, use the hoist to lift the engine very slightly(just to support the weight), remove the trans and rest it on the floor or push it aside, and then lift the motor. but if it's a th400, you're going to have two heavy objects to move onto stands at the same time. pulling them as a unit isn't the problem- it's what comes next.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
NO matter what the circumstances, I NEVER pull both at once, the balance is way the hell off, and you are sure to dump trans fluid all over the floor, gallons of it, drop the starter off, and you can easy get to the 3 converter bolts, which you keep in a safe, because of you lose them and try using other bolts, you are screwed....
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I would pull them together and lower them down until the trans is resting on some kind of stand. A wheel dolly works great to hold a trans. Then, unbolt the trans and lift the engine back up to put it on a stand. However, if you pull them together then remove the converter bolts first and make sure you have a plug in the tail shaft of the trans. Use either the drive shaft yoke or buy a plug. Otherwise, it will be a big pain and oil will run out of the trans and get everywhere. The trans end will hang down but it doesn't much matter. It'll level out when you drop it onto the stand or pallet or whatever you're going to store it on.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 4
From: Ft Myers Fl
Some days things just go RIGHT! Thank s for the suggestions, I pulled the engine and trans together. Bought two dollies from Harbor Freight, separated them after pulling them off the chasis and rolled them under the body. Very easy. I did tilt and drain tranny fluid by temporarily pulling out the yoke.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 4
From: Ft Myers Fl
I have some thin guage metal straps straps from some old metal shelves....good idea! I will do it, i did't realize it would pop out easily.
I don't like the way the engine looks either but It is actually stable so long as i'm careful. It's ok until i'm done working the frame and suspension. I have an engine stand but it takes up valuable space. Under the body is safe for now.
THANKS!
I don't like the way the engine looks either but It is actually stable so long as i'm careful. It's ok until i'm done working the frame and suspension. I have an engine stand but it takes up valuable space. Under the body is safe for now.
THANKS!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 70
I think the 69 $$ question is what is your final plan ? Did you want to have a freshened up motor & trans along with a nice new paint job or did you want to also make the chassis & all surrounding parts looking like new. If that's your answer, lifting the body up is not a big deal & then everything is super accessible. So what were you thinking as far as a final plan ?
