Replacing a transmission

[JOEPROC]

Boy, this is just the info I needed---and pictures too! I see now that I'll not have any trouble getting quick answers on anything my Fiat needs. Thanks again for giving me your personal efforts on the subject. It's always better to hear how a person did the job themselves rather than depend strictly on the manual. I'll keep you posted.

[timspider]

Both manuals I have say just yank it, which, as you say, doesn't work. I got this off once before with the tiny prying method. Been trying for the last day on and off to get this damn thing off again with no success yet.
So my iap manual: grainy black and white pictures that rarely help and some bad instruction.
Man that's lazy. Why bother selling something like that.
grumpy.
if anybody has the exact way you are supposed to get this thing off, that would be great, damnit.

[2500diesel]

Not sure what the problem is. If all of the bolts are out, and the guibo and shift lever are off, the only things holding the trans to the motor are the input shaft to the bearing, and two collars that fit into holes at the bottom of the bellhousing. I found that lifting up on the rear of the trans broke the collars loose, and i was then able to fit a flat bar between belhousing and engine to complete the removal. If you're on jackstands, use a floor jack to catch the trans when it drops. Just finished mine a couple of weeks ago. Good luck.

[76was124]

Both manuals I have say just yank it,.

I had to re-read this thread several times before I understood you added to an existing six month old thread.....

Hate to ask the obvious, but did you remove the starter completely?

How many bolts did you remove?

Is the trans hanging un-supported? If so, use a block of wood and a jack to level it and see if it will slide off a bit then.

[azruss]

both pulling and reinstalling the tranny requires precise alignment. look at the gaps between the motor and bell housing to make sure you are pulling evenly. I carry the weight of the tranny on a floor jack making sure the vertical alignment is accurate. Usually requires pulling and wiggling to get the shaft free from the pilot bearing. When i struggle with no progress it usually means i missed a bolt. I also use a tall ramp for the front tires so I have room and will also jack the front of the motor to give me tunnel clearance. I have noticed that my 80 has a longer tunnel than the early cars that make pulling the tranny much easier. This also has gravity working in your favor.

[76was124]

both pulling and reinstalling the tranny requires precise alignment............. When i struggle with no progress it usually means i missed a bolt.

I agree on both points!! Especially the alignment.......2nd (& 3rd time) was much easier putting the trans back in using a cheap trans jack from the local "1 and done" HF tool store.

[That]

All I can say is Boy, you guys have balls!! Changing tranny in driveway . Wow. God bless you

[grisoni]

Done it both ways, tranny alone or as a unit. All without a lift, not the most fun to be had with yer pants on but...
It will be way cheaper in the long run to just pull the tranny, because if you pull the engine you'll end up overhaulin' it while its out....