Date:         Thu, 6 Oct 2005 11:24:22 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Subject:      Re: rebuilt auto transmission
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              reply-type=original

I've done this by myself (twice now, and with the proper tools for the most
part) and I'll be doing it again by myself shortly... having said that, I'd
recommend a helping hand if you can get it. Getting it out is not nearly the
ordeal that is getting it back in.
I did it the first time using a transmission jack attachment to the floor
jack. The second time, not having the attachment anymore, I used a
well-placed 2 x 12 cut to an appropriate length. Worked equally well but the
board didn't have the feeling of security that the jack attachment with its
chains did; you can find one fairly inexpensively at Harbor Freight, btw. I
also use a bottle jack to support the engine.
A guy named Craig Oda went through all this a little over a year ago, I
think- If you look up his threads in the archives you'll probably find all
you want to know and more. He finally got it done, but I dunno what happened
to him after that- haven't seen him post in a dog's age.

Good luck,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Collins" <wb6otg@INTREX.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 7:43 AM
Subject: Re: rebuilt auto transmission


> >how hard is it to put in?  I've no tools beyond socket set and wrenches
>>at present - should I try do-it-myself?
>
> You will need a sturdy set of jackstands and a good floor jack, and the
> correct tool for the CV bolts (some are allen, some are tri-square.
>>
>>One of the CVs needs replacing too -- is it easier to do the CV and the
>>tranny at the same time?
>
> Since the inner CVs must be disconnected from the tranny to remove it,
> yes, it's easier to do at the same time.
>
> This is certainly a viable do-it-yourself job, but you will need to be
> careful and have a helper. (I'm sure someone out there has changed an
> engine or transmission alone, with nothing but the tire changing jack and
> and a pair of vice grips, but it's not the recommended way! :-) )
>
> Bill