do i really need these to take out my transmission
 

in the rx-7 workshop manual it says i nedd to stick this rectangular looking thing in the hole after i remove the propeller shaft. It also says before taking off my ppf that i need to buy some supports from mazda that connent to the fenders and hold the engine up. it doesn't seem to me like that brace is that important. Do i really need it? is there something else i can do with common tools that have the same effect. I was thinking of just putting the transmission jack on the tranny and holding it up while i take off everything off. will essentially do the same thing?
thanx in advance

You don't need that stuff. Make sure you train the tranny fluid, or it will come out the back once the prop shaft is out. And put a jackstand or something under the front of the motor if you're leaving it in there, or it will tip forward until resting on something fragile, I'm sure..

The only special tools you need is a large flathead scewdriver to relese the trowout bearing. Bigger is better.

oh and dont forget to change the pilot bearing too, need a little pick to get it out, if ur lucky.

Use the cap of a paint can in lieu of the "special tool".
It just keeps the tranny fluid in. Or leave the prop shaft in and lower everything down, but that's quite a bit of bulk to deal with.

You can get away without supporting the engine, but it is recommended. Less stress on the motor mounts. Some Home Depot bits (wood, pipe, straps/chain) and you have that covered.

Regards,
--Ashraf

The problem is when you pull the trans out the engine will tip forward if its not being held in place. Once it moves it can be very difficute and frustrating to get the engine and trans lined back up.

If I were you I'd have the engine stabalized so it doesnt move when you pull the trans

STEPHEN

Very true. I forgot a step since it was a long night putting it back in the last time. Loosened the motor mount bolts a bit and jacked up on the front of the engine to help line things up. Previous time was on a lift and everything went smoother that time...

Also, not all paint can caps work...

Regards,
--Ashraf