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Topic: 3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible? (Read 2732 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

i need to get the engine out to respray the engine bay can it be removed with the transmission still in place can this be done if yes how much wieght am i looking at and will i need to raise the front of the car to do this.

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #1 –
Yes, you can pull the engine and leave the trans in the car, just make sure to keep the trans supported.  What I like to do is use a floor jack under the bell housing and then when the engine is out, cut a broomstick or steel pipe to fit across the frame in the back of the engine bay and put a couple bolts through the bellhousing bolt holes so that they support the front of the trans on the broomstick (or pipe).  If you're using a standard crane-type engine hoist, you may want to remove the header panel from the front of the car to help you reach further back and avoid scratching it up.

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #2 –
sorry must be the way i posted this thread what i mean is can the engine be removed with the gearbox still attached.

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #3 –
You could, and a lot of people do, but it takes more people and makes a bigger mess.  If I need the engine AND trans out, I personally prefer to drop the powertrain out on the K-member with the knuckles and brakes attached. But I have a hoist and powertrain table, which makes that a little easier.  Be sure to triple check for attached bits before you take it all through the top. You still need a floor jack that will roll to support the tail shaft as you do the lift. And you'll need to make sure you remove the transmission crossmember.

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #4 –
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?35481-Unconventional-Engine-Trans-pull/

As you can see, the topic has been debated, sometimes hotly so.

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #5 –
I've pulled and installed 5.0 with AOD together(usually with help) but when I did the 5.0 install in my TC, was just me and the cherry picker...

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #6 –
ok thanks for the info going to lift the engine on its own as got to do this by myself.

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #7 –
yes

raise your hood
look at where the fire wall goes up and you will find two "ears" sticking out with a hole in them.
this is the area where the fire wall and Cal seam is welded along where vac lines & electrical crosses the bay along the top of the rear engine bay.

- remove bell housing bolts
- back off the lower right and left bell housing bolts just leaving them in by a few threads
-raise engine up till bell housing is about to touch the transmission tunnel
-add ratchet strap under bell housing to cradle it then put your hooks in each of the cal panel ears inside the bay then take up slack.

separate engine from trans and pull out.

the ratchet strap now supports the transmission

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #8 –
Make sure you either drain ALL the fluid from the AOD, or else you will have one big-assed puddle of ATF.

Personally, the smell of trans fluid gives me a quick headache (I can't even be around gear oil, makes me physically sick), and also, trans fluid, by volume will cover more square feet of floor than any other liquid on the planet, except ocean water. LOL
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;451393
Make sure you either drain ALL the fluid from the AOD, or else you will have one big-assed puddle of ATF.
Lol yes! Even better when you aren't expecting it.
 

3.8 engine removal with automatic trans possible?

Reply #11 –
Yup. I've ruined several shirts and late night plans to swap a trans, or change a rear main seal due to a sudden deluge of ATF, or once, I bumped the pan and gave myself a Mercon bath.

It's one of those things that makes me want to use the car as a target, and put every round I have into it or through it.

There may or may not be a chevy out in the field with bullet holes....on the other hand, I could probably do a "drive by" better than most "gangstas" LOL


And I will agree that "Santa ease" (anti-seize) is a PITA too...it just seems to go everywhere!
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)