clutch Release Fork R & R

I will be dropping the engine on my '81 911 SC in order to replace what appears to be a failed pressure plate release fork (Haynes terminalogy). Looks like John Gogol made an accurate Internet diagnosis in his reply to my earlier post. Anyways my new question is:
Should the tranny and engine both be dropped together in order to replace the release fork? The Haynes manual is not real clear to me on the directions on R&Ring the release fork but it looks like there is some seals and needle bearings to be replaced. If this accurate, I don't think I am up to driving in seals into a bell housing over my head while lying on the garage floor. (I know where is my sense of adventure).
Both Mr. Gogol and the local dealer have indicated that the release fork is a common failure item. Appreciate any words of wisdom / advice. Thanks.

Bill

The transmission and engine need to be dropped together. Even if you could get the trans out without the engine, it would be very hard to get them back together under the car.
While they are both out, you can also replace any leaky seals on the engine and adjust the valves.
Bob W.

Many of this BB will recall that I had to "pull" my unit twice because I installed the release forks incorrectly. E-mail me if you like.

I suspect that removing the tranny with the engine in place would be difficult. You could remove the engine alone, but this is not my recommendation. They come out quite nicely as a unit. This is a good time for cleaning, inspection, adjustment, replacement of some seals.

I recall pretty clearly the fork replacement procedure, and there are not needle bearings, I am almost positive. There may be bushings. The release fork is held to the shaft by a roll pin that must be carefully driven out and replaced. The shaft then comes right out. Use a thin coat of white lithium grease. It's pretty easy. I'll warn you that the Haynes manual is a bit inaccurate or at least confusing. It seems to confuse the 901 trayy with the 915 in places. I too was expecting a more difficult procedure involving special tools. Not so. Just get the forks engaged properly with the release bearing. Maybe put a new friction disk in as long as you've got the engine and tranny apart.

And mark the shaft and small arm on the outside of the tranny, underneath, before remove. It shoudl go back on the SAME splines it was on.

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'83 SC

Thank you both for your comments. I will take both the SC's engine/tranny out as a unit. Superman, I looked up your thread on your fork release R&R. Retrospectively, I feel your pain.
The PO installed clutch pack, and pilot bearing are less than 10,000 miles so I don't think I will be disturbing the items bolted up to the flywheel. The TO bearing and resealed tranny happened shortly before that. Anyways I am hoping that this job is going to be quick repair on the clutch release fork then back into the car with the engine-tranny.
However, I recall from reading this BBS that there are a couple of items at the back of the engine that tend to leak oil...oil cooler?? If the oil cooler, et al, is not leaking at this time, should it be serviced (how??) any way while the engine is out?

As always thanks

Bill

Well, that's a good question and a judgment call, Bill. As a general rule, I say if it ain't broken, don't fix it. If it really is not leaking, like behind the oil cooler.

If it is, then new seals coated wiht (you'll be proud of me if you're out there, EarlySMan) Dow Corning 111 will ensure a good long seal.

I guess you'll just look it over when its out. You may notice a few things. You may not. If you hit the whole thing really good with a pressure washer first, and then drive it a week, you'll better able to spot leak sources. But then if your's does not leak...

I'm beginning to think that the goal is to just make sure your Porsche is always leaking clean oil.

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'83 SC