Motor & Trans Drop: What to do with the shift rod?
 

I'm dropping my 3.0/915 out of my 79. I thought I might be able to back the motor out enough to exit the shift rod from the hole, but the motor didn't move back that much. So, how do I drop the motor without the shaft hanging up?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1384040018.jpg

There is enough clearance to come out as you tilt the engine and tranny down at the engine end while removing, then sliding it back until it clears.

Do I put a second jack under the transmission brace to keep it up, or just inch the motor down and back until it clears?

Thanks!

I used a second jack under the transmission when I dropped mine and it worked well

I bought and used the pelican jack adapter tool that tilts, making it really eaay, but I guess a second jack would work.
This one:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=PEL-PW-2563&catalog_description=&%2539%2531%2531%2520Engi ne%252FTransmission%2520Jack%2520Adapter%2520%2528 up%2520to%2520%2531%2539%2538%2533%2529

Tip: For extra clearance, remove the two nuts for the coil bracket, and lay the coil over, and down, near the ignition distributor. Leave all its wires attached. This will help you to have the fan housing clear the rear cross member.

put it in first gear give you 1 inch clearence .

Thanks for the beta gentlemen! Got it out safe & sound ;)

How?
Your answer may help someone else...

I used the 2 jack method (regular floor jack & an ATV jack). I had the ATV jack under the motor & a floor jack under the transmission brace. I would hop back and forth lowering them both inches at a time and moving the motor back till I was able to clear the hole for the shift rod. If you go this route please use extreme caution because you have to be partially under the car when lowering the transmission.

I used this option because my car is parallel to the ground (and I don't own a tilting jack adapter). Had I kept the front of the car on the ground, shift rod & motor clearance wouldn't be as big of an issue. So, I'll probably drop the front end down before putting it back in.

Thanks again for your help!