Having a helluva time trying to get out the top two bellhousing bolts that connect the wiring harness on the top of the transmission. I can see the passenger side one from under the car, but I can't see the driver's side at all. Is there an easy way to get these out? I've been trying to get them with a u-joint and a long extension from under the car, but I'm not having a lot of luck.

 

get an even longer extension. I seriously had about 2' of extension when I did it in the car. also, it will help if you get a jack under the tailhousing of the transmission and unbolt the crossmember, then let the jack down some, tiliting the engine/trans back. gives you more room to get to the top bolts. just have someone watching the engine compartment to make sure you don't crush anything.

 

There's your problem, right there.

Get them from above, with a box-end wrench.

 

From experience, I'd say no. Patience is the key. I personally had no luck from above. I resorted to the extension/dropping-transmission-tail shaft method (be careful of the distributor and firewall) along with a profundity of obscene language that frightened the most stout hearted in the neighborhood.

JamesC

 

lol..put 2 bolts back in the bottom and pull the tranny too..takes about 30 minutes longer but not nearly as stressful

 

I always drop the tail and use about 3' worth of extension and a u-joint myself. Pick up a 24" extension to go with whatever else you have. You'll be happier.

 

ya, in the end to get the top two bolts, you end up with your ratchet somewhere around the tranny crossmember, definately with at least one universal. i had every extension i owned to get mine out and back in last weekend.

 

I got mine out from the top, but I had the intake and heads off too

 

that defintiely works too

 

Hmm...well I should be able to work something out now with all this knowledge. Thanks guys!

 

I've had the engine out three times: First, pulling the engine/transmission out of the donor car; second, pulling the 305 to do some go-fast upgrades; and third, to put in the 350 shortblock. The second time I pulled the engine only.

Based on my experience, whenever the topic comes up, "pull engine only, or engine/transmission together?", I always say, "Pull the engine and transmission together."

For the very reason of this thread topic.