Simple, possibly stupid, question - is it really nessesary to pull the driveline when lowering the tranny? Also, do I really need to drain and refill the tranny fluid? And, one last question, my Haynes manual says that after I lower the tranny, I need to support the back of the motor. As it stands, I have two jack stands supporting the front of the car, I'm going to use my floor jack to lower the tranny, but I don't have anything to support the motor - It's 12:00 am here, so I can't just run down and buy a new jack or stand. Any ideas besides a block of wood (which I don't have either)?

As you can tell, it's been nearly 10 years since I replaced a clutch

 

When was the last time the tranny fluid was changed? Never hurts to put a fresh fill in it, also helps get rid of some of the little bits of metal and brass that are floating around in the fluid from wear.

You need to drop the driveshaft, once you pull it out of the tranny, you will get some fluid. Supporting the engine isn't critical, but if your rubber motor mounts are weakening, they can break. Once the tranny is out, stick the jack under the motor until you are ready to replace the tranny.

Walmart is open 24 hours and will have fluid and jackstands in a pinch.

 

Ok, but do I need to drain my tranny fluid? (sorry won't shop @ Wal Mart - I'm Pro Union, regardless of my needs) Let me know Asap - I'm ready to drop the tranny now, just waiting to pull those final bolts until I find out if the tranny fluid has to be drained and if the driveshaft absolutely has to be taken off...

 

Your choice is drain it, or have it **** all over the floor when the driveshaft comes out.

 

If you unbolt the driveshaft from the rear end but don't remove it from the rear of the transmission and just set the whole assembly aside while you are doing the clutch, the tranny fluid won't leak out.

Ray

 

Always remove the filler plug before the drain plug.
You can put plastic on hte tailshaft to prevent oil leak. OR, like me, I have a yoke from an old driveshaft (with the U-Joint flange removed).
No need for engine support since the exhaust will hold it in place. And no need for transmission jack. Bench press it, be sure to put a rope on the tailshaft end (tailshaft close to the shifter tranny) and use your knees.

 

What 'Wacky' describes is called the "Bearhug" method of tranny removal. Some good tips in here, and I only offer further that if you do drain your tranny out, it will be that much lighter when you go to 'bearhug' it out and back into place. If you have a clean container to store the drained fluid, there's no reason you can't put it back in if you're tight on funds. I'd just replace with Royal Purple Gear Oil if it was me.

 

I've heard many different terms when refering to our cars, 'bear hug' is a first. I think I'll go out and hug mine now, I need one too.