Drivetrain removal question

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:26 pm

I have one simple question for those who have done this.

Can you pull the motor and transmission as one unit, or is it advisable to remove the transmission first? I know with E28s it can be done as a unit, but there is also a lot of space gained in front with removal of the radiator.

Thanks!

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:30 pm

I have not done this...yet, but it is mentioned here:

http://www.firstfives.org/faq/driveline/driveline.html

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:32 pm

I read that the other night, but I'm still a bit puzzled as it just doesn't seem possible, as while it could lift off the mounts and come forward, I don't think there would be enough room to get the unit up at enough of an angle for the transmission to clear the firewall and the motor to clear the core support.

Perhaps I am overthinking it. I'll put the compass and protractor away.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:38 pm

Not much, but there is more room up front in E28s. I've heard of people pulling them at the same time, and I did on something from the late 70's, early 80's, but I don't remember what anymore, but I didn't like it. You're pulling too much, too many places to hit and bind and interfere. Stuff gets broken IMO. I pull the engine, then the tranny. It's a piece of cake with the engine out.

DEMIURGE · Post by **DEMIURGE** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:42 pm

Yes, you can pull the motor and the transmission as one unit - according to e12 manuals. You can not do it without a winch (and without "a little help from your friend" to angle the motor and the transmission).

I have done this twice - but separating the motor from the transmission. Yes, some bolts are hardly accessible, but, as for me - this is the easier way to separate the units.

JoshInAtlanta · Post by **JoshInAtlanta** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 6:11 pm

Chris- I was able to pull the M90 + G265 out of the '77 attached. I had the front of the car lifted up a few feet, and just went slow/carefully.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 6:17 pm

http://www.firstfives.org/faq/swap35/Eng_Angle1.jpg

DMS · Post by **DMS** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 6:40 am

Done it a few times but separating is easier/safer for the body.

Odometergears · Post by **Odometergears** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:36 am

Yes you can. Pulled the 2.8w/turbo and tranny out together. Used the level bar thingy to balance the combination in the correct direction to clear everything. Make sure you pull the radiator and use a sheet of wood to protect the AC.

Putting it back in was a different story. Much easier to put them in separate.

Jeff C, NN, VA

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:35 pm

DMS wrote:Done it a few times but separating is easier/safer for the body.

Yes indeed. Possible doesn't mean it's a good idea.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:54 pm

I just thought I'd ask. Appreciate the thoughts. The angle to do both looks pretty darn steep. I guess I'll pull the transmission! That should be fun. At least this time, the car won't be sitting on two steel wheels welded together.

alotawatts · Post by **alotawatts** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 1:58 am

When you can't find someone to help-
It's a kids 'hoppy' ball with a handle. Just alternate .....let out a little air....lower jack ...repeat...repeat...repeat.
I had to slice it to get the last bit of air out....and touch down.
Keep the case steady so it does'nt roll off.