Engine/trans removal - clutch release lever

[Cevan]

I’m removing the engine and trans from my ‘86 coupe. I have the clutch cable detached from the clutch release lever. Wayne’s book says to remove the clutch release lever. I’m wondering why this is necessary.

[Flat6pac]

Drop the lever or you can’t get the trans off because the fingers on the throw out bearing won’t rotate. Once on the ground as a unit the snap ring is out of sight.
Bruce

[na2ub]

on my 79, w/915 trans, I did remove the short lever, under the car. My long lever had a pin holding it in place. After determining it would be super difficult to remove the pin, under the car, I dropped the engine/tranny together. Never had to remove the pin to separate the tranny. Not sure why it's recommended to remove the lever for an engine drop.

I did remove the pin, while out, and won't replace, as recommended on this board, so I can service the omega spring, if necessary and pull the lever from under the car, easily.

[David Inc.]

Doesn't need to come off for an engine drop but if you're going to split the trans later it's a good idea to remove the lever with the engine in the car. It takes force and clearance to pop the omega spring. Trying to do it on a car after you drop the engine sounds like a pain.

[tsuter]

I remove only the clutch cable while under the car. I don't remove anything else related to the clutch until motor and tranny are out and on my motorcycle lift. Then I get the circlip off, the pin and the lever(s) so that the tranny can be separated from the engine. I think the idea of removing these under the car goes back to the days of separating the engine from the tranny under the car and just dropping out the engine.
Same thing with the reverse light connector cable by the tranny ground strap. No reason to disconnect it. Just leave it be.

[Cevan]

I ended up taking it off. No roll pin. Came off without issue.