Finally getting around to replace my engine because its knocking due to detonation issues, and I'm wondering if its possible to pull the engine and transmission out together without removing the torque arm from the transmission tailshaft. It's a T5 transmission. IIRC, the torque arm mount is designed to allow the torque arm to slide forward and back in the mount, so I think I can just unbolt the trans mount from the crossmember and slide the whole thing out. Anyone ever tried this?

 

I have found it's always easier to pull the trans first, then the engine, that way, you don't have to tilt the whole assembly so far up and back for removal. You are correct: the torque arm is not limited with front to rear movement, it is up and down. I always let it flop up to the underside of the floorboard and leave it be. But yes, it should just slide out as the whole mess is pulled forward.

 

If I had a trans adapter for my jack or a lift, be more inclined to pull it first, but I don't. I hate wrestling it up into place. Last time I did it, I almost dropped it on my face. When I originally swapped in the V8, I bolted up the trans first. I almost wasn't able to get it to clear the core support, but a little twisting and pulling got it over. Still easier than dropping the trans with the car on jack stands IMHO.

Thanks for the confirmation. I didn't want to find out I was wrong while the whole thing was on the hoist.