Engine drop, so close, so far...
 

I attempted to drop the engine/transimission assy today.

Everything has been disconnected without a hitch (the reverse light switch was a @#%&* to locate but I found it).

When dropping the engine/trans, no problems disconnecting the engine and motor mount bolts.

The problem I am having is the transmission cradle/support bar is getting hung up on the rear sway bar. I am using an ATV jack under the engine but I guess the transmission wants to dip as I attempt to slide the engine towards the back of the vehicle.

As a side note, I could not remove the clutch helper spring and components. I have not put any pressure (weight) on these parts.

I have re-connected the engine and transmission to the chassis for safety reasons at this time.

I have read millions of posts, I own both of Wayne's books, printed evey worthwile how do do it directions and searched the archieves and no-one has mentioned this issue.

What am I doing wrong? What are you guys doing to overcome this obstacle.

Thanks in advance for your help.

When I dropped my motor, I removed the rear sway bar. Don't know how do drop it with the sway bar in place. Why not just remove the sway bar?

And there you have it.

Have you removed the sway bar brackets?
I pulled down on the bar and wedged a large socket in to keep it down. Then I had an assistant pull the engine back as I lifted gearbox over the bar
You will wish you did the helper spring! There is a fiddly circlip on the bottom of the shaft that the release arm is attatched to.
I had to tap the arm (and the small adjustment arm) fairly hard to get it off the shaft. You cannot split the engine from the transmission without doing this...

If I remove the swaybar and re-connect after the project is over will this affect my suspension settings? Is this a bolt off/bolt on operation? I have never removed this item before, or the engine, where is the best place to R&I the sway bar/sway bar assy?


Thank you for the prompt responses. As usual, thanks for all your help in advance.


Mookster

Doesn't change toe, camber or caster. Mark with a felt pen or piece of tape where it is clamped ( ends) so as to maintain the same stiffness setting. Unbolts at the obvious places.

I dropped mine without removing the sway bar. I did disconnect it from the mounts and swung it down so the tranny would clear.

Check this thread

when you drop a motor the first three things you do are disconnect the battery, the starter, and the swaybar!

Thanks you everyone for your input and prompt responses.

I have a bit of prepwork to complete.

I will keep you posted later in the week.