Tranny position during engine drop

[copper]

We'll be dropping the engine Tuesday night as per the instructions in Wayne's book, leaving the tranny in. Does the tranny have to be in or out of gear during the drop or does it matter. Obviously neutral would be better if we need to move the car without the engine.

I'll take pictures, as it'll be my first drop!!

Thanks in advance
Jim

[Dixie]

I believe you'll find it's easier to unhook the coupler if the car is in fourth. Otherwise, I don't think it will matter.

And personally, having just put my motor back in, I suggest taking the motor and trans out together, It's actually easier.

[Jerome Ryals]

I would agree especially if its the first time you've ever dropped one.

[rcecale]

DEFINITELY pull them as a unit!

If nothing else, you'll save yourself a lot of hassle when it comes time to mate the engine back up to the tranny.

I think you'll find the most common approach here is to do them both as a unit.

Randy

[Rot 911]

I've done it both ways. Once you understand the physics of how the engine and tranny mate up and know where to look when mating up, pulling the engine by itself is faster. Either way you need to disconnect the shift coupler. I always leave the shifter in first, but any gear is fine as long as you don't move the shifter around later.

[Westy]

Jim, I just dropped mine for the first time. I had no help and found that it was pretty simple. Look at my "1st motor drop" thread, these guys offered me a lot of help.

And I found it really simple to unplug the two wire harness in the tunnel and shove it and the boot through the hole instead of trying to disconnect wires on the tranny.. Also, don't disconnect all the starter wires, just the big power one. Taking out the battery was also a good idea, because I found some little nasty stuff under it.

Good luck, B

[copper]

Well I just confirmed with my wrench and we're good to go for tonight. Finally.

He's removed a lot of engines, just never a 911. He's done VWs and all the domestics, but I imagine the VW would be the closest to the 911.

Is there a direct correlation between the position of the coupler and the gear the car is in? From what I gather in these replies, there may be. Only question is, how then do I move the car if we need to move it in the shop while the engine is out.

My wrench owns a Ford dealership. We'll have multiple hoists, engine carts etc and all the tools. Should go much smoother than trying it in my garage.

Jim

[safe]

Put gear stick in an even gear and disconnect it. If you need to move the car you can just pull on the disconnected shift cuppler to get in neutral.