Transmission removal: need diff support?
 

Hello-

I can't seem to find a definitive answer to my question... do you really need to support the diff when removing the transmission? Also, do you really need to seperate the PPF from the diff?

I need to remove my transmission next weekend. I'll have access to a lift so I can get underneath extremely easily. I also have access to one transmission jack that's tall enough to get my tranny. However, I don't have access to a second jack to hold the diff in place. Which of these three is true?

1. Find some way to support the diff. There's no way around it.
2. Remove the PPF completely and let the diff hang.
3. Leave the diff attached to the PPF and let it hang. Since the PPF is so long, it makes a nice lever arm to align the diff with later on.

Or, if none are correct, correct me as needed :-).

Thanks!

Take care,
Shad

^

You need to support the diff. Block it up with wood or buy a cheap scissors jack.

Yes, you need to remove the PPF. Otherwise it's in the way when you remove the transmission.

If you don't support the diff it will pivot on the bushings & be a bear to line up later.

IM sure you could probably just unbolt the PPF from the transmission & let it hang, but unless you have the car on a hoist, it's going to be a pain to work around.

Are you trying to save time???

I used 4 jack stands, one hyd jack & one transmission jack to do the job.

If your looking for a real challenge install a lightweight flywheel at the same time. That big ass nut is one tight MF. Plus you have to figure out a way to hold the motor so it doesn't spin.

I did number 2, but I later unbolted the parking brake cable bracket so that it wouldn't hang from them. I think even just a block of wood or plastic crate is sufficient to support it.

IME, the much more important thing is that you have something to tilt the engine a little bit higher in the front. It makes replacing the transmission much less difficult if you can get the front of the engine lifted an inch or so.

Dave

I never support the diff. I even towed a FD 950 miles without a PPF (or engine and trans) with no diff support.

Remove the PPF completely.

1. You do NOT need to remove the PPF to remove the transmission.

2. You do NOT need to support the diff when you remove the tranny. However, you should use the bolts to hold the PPF back in place until the tranny is ready to be reinstalled.

once you remove the PPF bolts, you will have enough clearance to remove the tranny. Just put the PPF back up with the bolts on (not torqued all the way of course) and that will hold the PPF from hanging down until you are ready to reinstall the tranny.