So, I'm getting ready to swap out my L98 for the SBC that I've been working on FOREVER. I've got a T-56 in the car, and I'm dreading having to deal with reinstalling the trans. It was a real bi**h getting that trans to seat in all the way when I installed it. I was planning on removing just the engine itself, and leaving the trans in place in the car. I would like to pull the engine and trans together, but I've got the car jacked up pretty high, and my engine hoist won't lift the entire assembly high enough to get it out of the car. Does anyone have any advice or tips/tricks to getting the trans back in after the new engine is installed? Any help is appreciated. It's been a few years since I've swapped out an engine. Thanks!

 

Done it with the T56 as well. Had to remove bumper cover but still used the weeny hf hoist.

 

Actually the higher you get the car, the steeper you can install/remove engine and tran together with out shoving the tail of the tran into the ground. See pic above. Only the higher you go, the higher everything has to be able to reach. The pic above is a great example of running the ratchet strap back so you can control the angle. I use a small come-along so I have better control when letting out line. Fluid will come out of the tail shaft when steep so either dont fill till level or you can zip-tie a plastic pag around the tail-shaft.

Unhook battery.

Drain all the fluids.

Label everything and dont cut anything unless you know you wont need it.

Take as many pics as you can, will make it that much easier for assembly.

 

I also made a roller pad to catch the rear of the Trans as it went in. About a 12x12 piece of plywood with a caster wheel on each corner. I usually have to do these things myself and am forced to think around some of the issues.

Both trans went in dry.

With the motor suspended from the hoist and the Trans elevated on a stand a foot or so off the ground, they slide together easily.

 

Is there something preventing you from not having the car jacked up so high? Just lower the car, enlist a buddy, and with one of you under the car and one of you above it you should be able to wiggle it out of there and shoehorn it back in.

 

p.s. I agree that doing both together on these cars is a pain if you leave the front clip intact (that's how we did it forever ago), but just take your time and it'll come together.

p.s.s. take the carb or tb and distributor off prior to doing anything.

 

You just need a big enough lifting device.............

 

nhgator, I like your thinking!

 

The Boss was wondering where his crane truck wandered off to for a weekend.