What's the best way to support the engine when dropping the transmission?

[ghunt81]

Was thinking about this, when you drop the transmission what is the best way to support the engine while the transmission is out? I thought about doing something under the oil pan but I did that once while installing my headers and it pushed in the bottom of the oil pan a little so I'm not so sure about that method. Or, is that the best route with the weight of the transmission gone?

 

[Greg Hazlett]

Piece of 2x4 under the oil pan and in between the jack.

 

[Laga]

I used a 2x6 with a towel on oil pan when I installed my headers.

 

[AHaze]

If I understand the question, the engine is still supported by it's mounts, correct? I just use a ratchet strap up top to stop it from rocking back into the firewall.

 

[JEWC_Motorsports]

We did not use anything the few times my engine was out. It didn't move.

 

[skwerl]

If I understand the question, the engine is still supported by it's mounts, correct? I just use a ratchet strap up top to stop it from rocking back into the firewall.

This. It's a balance issue, not a support issue. The two motor mounts are more than sturdy enough to hold the weight.

 

[ghunt81]

Well also to keep the engine from flopping too far to the back I guess. When I changed out the transmission in my old Ranger I just left it supported by the mounts, and it rotated back enough that it made lining the transmission back up difficult.

 

[rocky61201]

The motor mounts are enough. But if you have stiff aftermarket mounts you might even have to tilt the motor back down again to line up the transmission input shaft and slide it in when reinstalling the transmission.

I've had to do this by jacking up on the area where front oil pan bolts are located with a small sections of 2x4 and a jack. A bottle jack would probably work also. You can also jack up on the harmonic balancer but not recommended. You might only need to tilt the front of the motor back upwards about 1/2 inch or so.

Even with stock motor mounts I never had an issue of firewall interference. But every car is different and some just have their querks.

 

[tjm73]

You need to hug your engine and let her know your there for her during the separation. She will know she's supported then.

 

[86GT351]

If you must use a piece of wood on a jack. Don't need alot of pressure upward.

 

[RED09GT]

Any time I have to lift the motor, the 2x4 goes on the pan rail below the balancer rather than on the actual oil pan.

 

[ghunt81]

Any time I have to lift the motor, the 2x4 goes on the pan rail below the balancer rather than on the actual oil pan.

I did that on my last header install...however on this job the engine will be wanting to tilt back so that won't work.