Pulling Drive Train Have a few Questions

[anderob]

I have a 1981 Eagle sedan with the 258/auto. I want to pull the entire drive train as a unit (engine/trans/transfer case.
Is there going to be any problems in pulling everything at the same time?
Any pointers or info that may help?
Thanks!

[thereverendbill]

I believe it is easier to take every down from the bottom as one unit

[mudkicker715]

Transfercase at the very least needs to get popped off first

[carguy87]

Easier to separate the engine from the tranny and drop the tranny and x-case as a pair and pull the engine separately.

[Pa sx/4]

hello  I dont know your skill level but this is how i do it in one hour start to on the floor with only one buddy helping. I unbolt the drive shafts then the t case,shifting linkage,trany cross member then hood off. i take the rad out . unbolt the motor mounts and frount dif brackets. remove wires and hoses (dont forget the throtle it will break the carb). ok heres the part some will not agree. i take a sawsall and cut the top rad supurt out neatly (it only takes 10 ninuts to put back in with a mig and never looks bad. hook up you lift and pull it almost straight out. It will come out with out cutting the rad suport but i hate having all that waight on a cherry picker that high. 

[j2sax]

Yeah, used to do to pull drivetrains out of Pacers...

I would say, taking the T/C off still makes things a LOT easier.  Once you drop the trans xmmbr, getting the T/C off is easy especially with ratcheting wrenches. 

Remember the speedo cable.

[anderob]

Thanks! I will first pull the TC and then see about that radiator support.

[shanebo]

The t-case is is rather cumbersome and would make for a difficult removal as one piece...If you pull the t-case first getting the motor and trans out as one unit is not too bad if you got the right hoists and all that stuff.

[rollguy]

The t-case is is rather cumbersome and would make for a difficult removal as one piece...If you pull the t-case first getting the motor and trans out as one unit is not too bad if you got the right hoists and all that stuff.

Agreed, this is the way I have done it.  No need to cut anything.  Un-bolt the front diff, and wire or strap it to the front crossmember before pulling engine/trans unit.

[shanebo]

Good call Rollgy! The front axle will flop down as it is secured to the bottom of the engine....It is very un-handy and rather troublesome and especially if you plan on moving the car around after the drive train pull it must be secured somewhat otherwise the half shafts bind up and stuff gets a bit sloppy.

[j2sax]

So, you've probably already done this by now and I should have chimed in with the fellow above who reviously mentioned this, but bringing it all out the bottom is much easier.  Yes, it requires removal of the front diff, but most of that has to come out anyway.  Get some of those cheap car dolly things from Harber freight and use them to roll things out of the way.   

I have a large pneumatic bumper jack which will pick the front and up pretty high.  (I REALLY need to get my 2 post up and running as that would be a dream!), however, if you do not have access to that, you can actually lift the front end up with your engine hoist. 

Take all the necessary stuff loose, using the engine hoist from the top, lower the whole powertrain to the ground or on to your dollys (I would recommend the latter).  Then use you engine hoist with a chain to both side of the bumper posts, lift the front of the car up and use GOOD BIG jackstands to support it.  Make sure rear wheels are chocked well also. Then roll your drivetrain out.  Do not leave your car in this elevated position (only supported by jackstands) as it can stress the unibody and the weight of the front end can cause body seams to show if it goes through temperature changes like this. 

This was the factory recommended way to do Pacers, but I always cut the front as described above.  Regardless, Pacers did not have T/C's and I think the out from below method saves a lot of time and hassle.  When you are going back in with everything, it is helpful to have one of those engine harness that allows you to rotate the handle and change the angle of the engine. 

Have a great weekend,

[shanebo]

Your sain' drop it from the bottom and raise the body up?....That sounds alot easier than the way I did it....Very good idea J2sax. It sure beats all that hasle of trying to jimmy the engine and trans out of the bay, praying it doesnt get hung up on somthing on the way out.