engine install with trans in the car

[Dr Vic]

Hi

Ive read all about this topic on installing the engine with the transmission as one. The guy who was supposed to do my motor swap took only the engine out but didnt finish the job. Im almost done putting the new engine back together but I cant remove the axle nut. Ive tried heating it, using PB blaster and standing on the breaker bar to take that damn thing off but it wouldn't budge. So the transmission is still in the car. Im going to attempt putting the engine with the trans in the car. What kind of difficulties do you guys forsee or have encountered when putting in the engine this way? any tips on performing this kind of install to make things easier?

Vic

 

[zenk1]

save yourself a lot of time and take the trans out i tried to do it with it in and NO GO the flywheel and clutch got in the way when trying to drop the engine in.
take the whole control arm assemble off axle attached and all, on the passenger side

 

[gurmanator]

pop the upper and lower ball joints and take the spindle,axel,brake rotor to a diesel mechanic shop have them use their HUGE impact gun on the axel nut.it will make life alot easier.

 

[Dr Vic]

i never thought of that solution. my trans is mobile though. its only supported by a jack. do you guys think I can wiggle the trans and motor together? Im just trying to save time. Im only a novice at doing these repairs.

 

[gurmanator]

you will save more time if you put engine and tranny in as one,way easier.make sure you use the clutch alignment tool or you will never get the engine and tranny together.

 

[luv2rallye]

You don't have to remove the axels or any ball joints at all to remove/install tranny: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/316646-pulling-transmission-tomorrow.html#post151688536.

Yes, put them both in together is by far the easyest. Or you can put the tranny in after the engine (I just rebuilt my tranny and so only removed/installed it). Don't even think about installing the engine after the tranny is in.

 

[gurmanator]

You don't have to remove the axels or any ball joints at all to remove/install tranny: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/316646-pulling-transmission-tomorrow.html#post151688536.

Yes, put them both in together is by far the easyest. Or you can put the tranny in after the engine (I just rebuilt my tranny and so only removed/installed it). Don't even think about installing the engine after the tranny is in.

you are correct,you dont have to split ball joints or remove axel to pull tranny(with engine removed).the question was the axel nut and not being able to remove the axel.that is why the guy just pulled the engine.there is not enough room between the shock towers to put the engine/tranny in as one and slide the axel into the tranny.the axel is to long and the engine/tranny will be at the worng angle to do so.

 

[luv2rallye]

Well I didn't remove my engine but unbolting both lower arms at the chassis and removing damper fork bolt (as per my link) allows the axels to be pulled from tranny and swung completely out of the way of both tranny and engine. Now this is on my 99 FWD but I suspect it would work on AWD too. Just trying to save him the pain of removing axel nuts.

If you really want to remove the axel nut but can't get it off (and you don't want to remove everything to take it to a shop), and you've tryed solvents, hammers, torches, and a regular hub puller, rent this extra heavy duty truck hub puller here: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/235884-need-help.html.

 

[diggerzmound]

If you put the engine in before you bolt the head on, it is possible. I did mine this way. You have to leave the balancer and lower timing gear off. It might be possible with the head on as well, but I am not sure, as I took the head off to get it out as well.