Date:         Thu, 7 Nov 2002 08:47:18 EST
Reply-To:     Willolyn99@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Marshall <Willolyn99@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: dropping engine and auto trans at the same time?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hey Raul,
       I've dropped the engine/tranny assembly a couple times, and I think it
is the best way to go.  I get the van up on ramps to do it, you need the
clearance.  Just remember to tie up the CV's so they don't get in the way.
       When I pulled my engine to put in the Tiico, I pulled the tranny too
so that I could inspect it, change the oil, etc.  I must say that it is also
a LOT easier to fit the tranny to the engine when it is lying in the middle
of the floor.  None of that holding up the tranny while trying to align
everything.
       I used two methods of moving around this engine/tranny assembly.  The
first time I used a piece of plywood, just lowered the assembly onto it and
slid it out.  The second time I made a little rolling platform out of
plywood, scrap 2x4's, and a couple of rubber wheels I had lying around.  It
was much nicer, and easier to move.
       I did all this by myself, no help from anyone.  All it took was a
cheap floor jack from the wholesale club.  When putting the assembly back
into the van, you lift and shim, lift and shim, until the assembly is mostly
in place.  Use the tranny mount to align everything, and put the bolts in
loosely.  This will hold up the tranny half while you get the engine aligned.
 Then it's just tightening bolts and hooking stuff up.

Piece of cake!

Bill Marshall
85 GL Tiico "Pandora's Box"
Bradenton FL