transmission removal problems

fan-of-the-fiat · Post by **fan-of-the-fiat** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:44 am

I have a 1976 Spider and I'm in the process of pulling the tranny. The problem is that is won't come out. This is what I've done so far:

1. Disconnected the Starter, the speedometer cable, the back-up switch wires, the console, the shifter, the drive shaft, the rear mounting bracket, the 4 main bolts at the engine, and the bottom dust cover on bell housing. I maybe missed some things, but those are what I can remember.

2. I've got two jacks holding the tranny in place and have begun to move the gearcase backwards.

3. I was able to move the tranny about 3 to 4 inches away from the engine.

4. I then began to lower the back of the transmission, since I couldn't seem to move it any further back.

5. I now have a transmission that won't lower any more, is at a 20 degree angle and still hasn't cleared the fly-wheel.

There just isn't room to pull this thing enough to clear the shaft! I must be missing something. Please help. Would lowering the engine cross support maybe help? This could possibly help me lower the engine and transmission in order get some extra clearance at the Bell-housing. This could then allow me to move it backwards some more. I worry about screwing up the splines or fly wheel in this process and I'm also terrified about putting this thing back into place. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Kevin

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 10:04 am

the console doesn't have to be removed to take the tranny out. Did you only remove the top half of the shifter? If so, remove the lower half and you'll have plenty of room to get the tranny back

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:01 pm

Is your car up off the ground? That will give you extra room to work and manuver

I did mine the opposite way, I pulled the engine forward then dropped the transmission straight down. But I had to take the engine out anyway.

The most important thing is: If the transmission is at an angle, the engine better be at that same angle or the shaft won't slide out. Try disconnecting the exhaust and tilt the front of the engine up, you may have to remove a hose or two. I had to remove the center steering link so that the flywheel could slide forward. I don't think you will need to remove this, but it might help get some more room.

You are right about that shaft, don't damage it. As you are pulling the trans backward have it and the engine supported.

Fortunatly the transmission is not that heavy, but when you are under the car and on you back it seems like it weighs a ton.

Matt