I'm In the process in stalling the engine and tranny separate would like to know
what order would be the easiest tranny first or engine first.

sweet124 wrote:I'm In the process in stalling the engine and tranny separate would like to know
what order would be the easiest tranny first or engine first.

On my 81, I have installed the engine, then transmission, and I also have done transmission installed on engine (out of the car), then installed together. Both have their advantages, and you can search the posts for lots of debates. A leveler and good cherry picker helps to install together, I jacked up the rear of the car to help reduce the install angle, other's raise the front, with the shifter off. Installing the trans separately makes the engine go in easier, and it isn't too bad with a transmission jack to help alignment. Once you figure out the combination of socket extensions and swivel joints for the trans and starter bolts it can be done in less than 2 hours on your back.

I am not sure installing the trans first is an option? Engine bay clearance and aligning the input shaft by moving the engine doesn't sound like fun. Maybe someone else can confirm....

So are you saying that if I raise the back of the car on jacks You don't need to remove
the Shifter on the tranne if I install it together

sweet124 wrote:So are you saying that if I raise the back of the car on jacks You don't need to remove
the Shifter on the tranne if I install it together

Its possible to only remove the shifter extension (and not the shift lever) as I did installing the trans and engine as one piece with the back end of the car jacked up. However, you can also do it raising the front end like most people. I raise the back end because it's hard with my hoist to get the engine and trans on a steep enough angle to otherwise get it through the engine compartment.

That being said, it's very easy to remove and reinstall the shift lever removing the 3 screws and the lock nut on the underside of the shift tower housing, so if I were to do it over, i would also remove the shift lever.