Transmission Removal Question

[LCOX]

Need to remove the transmission in my 83 911. Is it possible to remove the trans with engine still installed? I'm on my back with a floor jack and jack stands. Don't have a overhead lift. Which way is easier? Thanx L.

[Flat6pac]

It has to come out with the motor.
You need at least 2 floor jacks or a table to lower it to
You need to go higher than the jack stands to clear the bumper s I use a 3 ft 2x6 on the jack to lift the chassis at the floor pan.
It's a whole learning curve, with potential experienced help but no one knows where you live...
Bruce

[Bob Kontak]

Motor needs to come out as Bruce says.

2nd jack, even if a wimpy one, especially on install, is a HUGE help.

[Dodge Man]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Motor needs to come out as Bruce says.

2nd jack, even if a wimpy one, especially on install, is a HUGE help.

The second jack can be a $30 special that is easy to maneuver. I have found that some good heavy wood cribs are very helpful to balance the weight and spread the load across the engine case & trans. Since an 83 is probably a side drainer I highly recommend the cribs (been there done that). Find a contractor buddy that has some 4x8 or bigger scabs to use if you do not have a trans/motor jack and /or attachment. Trans removal has been done w/o motor removal but it is like my wife & sister doing something totally backwards to prove that following instructions is just merely a serving a suggestion and I am WRONG. Pull both as a unit because it is the proper easier & faster way. Pull both in 1-2 hours for DIY (no beers) and have working room to do things properly. Mine came out in 45 minutes because the cat & dog kept getting out of the house and into the garage for pets. Replace your shifter coupling bushings too because it is an opportune moment. However, my wife always tells me that I am FOS even after me getting several patents so free advice is worth what exactly you pay for it (as my brother told me take it with a grain of salt). Best of Luck.

[cabmandone]

I use an ATV jack under the engine and a floor jack under the transmission. To answer the question I suppose you "could" take the transmission out without a complete engine drop but you'd be so close to a complete drop that you might as well have just dropped and been done. A complete drop isn't difficult. I've dropped and installed mine by myself at least 3 times and helped my brother with his at least 3 or so times now.
I do my drop with the bumper on. I Put jack stands on a 2x10. I like to level the car while removing so I raise the front and once I have the engine out and down I lower the front to the ground which brings the back up high enough to clear the bumper if you're dealing with a 3.0 you might have to go a bit higher than I do with my 3.2

[bigel]

As everyone else has said, you really need to remove the engine with the trans as a unit. There's no big issue with that fact, other than you'll need to disconnect the many tethers that connect the engine to the rest of the car.

Like Cabmando, I used an ATV jack and was easily able to reinstall the engine/transmission without a second jack.

Good luck and watch that shift linkage!

[LCOX]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll get started and put your ideas to use. L

[Quinlan]

Yep. It's not that difficult and it gives you the opportunity to see the thermostat, breather and oil pressure switch to refresh the gaskets and seals.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Dodge Man

Pull both in 1-2 hours for DIY (no beers) and have working room to do things properly. Mine came out in 45 minutes because the cat & dog kept getting out of the house and into the garage for pets.

Leave an entire day for the project if solo. Time for you to walk away, etc.

It can be done, though. I remember Jon at Engine Builder's Supply saying "It's just an hour" to drop. I was too skeered. 2nd or third time is two hours with a helper.

It's like a brake job. First side is an hour, second side is 20 mins. Drum brakes on the rear vs disc, same drill.