Engine drop, so close, so far...

[Mookster]

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.

[don911]

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?

[CarreraS2]

Originally posted by don911
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.

[911mot]

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...

[Mookster]

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

[no substitute]

Originally posted by Mookster
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.

[ZOA NOM]

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

[wastintime]

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

[Mookster]

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.