Date:         Thu, 12 Aug 2004 23:08:49 -0700
Reply-To:     Craig Oda <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Oda <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      transmission jacking up tips?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Thanks to everyone that helped me to repair the torque converter and
drive plate on my transmission.  Right now, I have the transmission
sitting under the van and I can't figure out a way to get it back in.

I have a jack with a 8" circular plate on it that I've used to jack up
and reinstall the engine.  However, the engine had a nice flat surface
by the oil drain plug.

The transmission is kind of rounded on the bottom.  Is there any
technique or tool that can help me to keep the transmission stable
enough so that I can jack it into place on the transmission mounting
studs?

I don't have a welder.  It would appear that if I had a welder, I
could weld a pipe onto a flat piece of metal to serve as a platform
for the transmission.  The circular plate on my jack does come off, so
I suppose that I could build a platform out of wood.  If so, can
anyone give me some advice on how create the frame out of wood and
mount it onto the jack holder?

I am also thinking of buying an ATV / motorcycle jack.  I see they
sometimes go on sale for $50 plus money for CA sales tax.  I suppose I
could use the ATV jack to remove the engine again.

Here is a picture of my jack, the plate and my transmission.

http://oda.bz/vanagon/2004_08/

Thank you for any advice you can give on how to get my transmission
back into the van.  I thought it would be easier to balance the trans
on the jack plate, but after a few hours of trying, I gave up.   I'm
working alone and can't get anyone to help for a few weekends.