Pull Engine or Engine/Trans together?

[threewood]

Getting ready to pull the 318A from my 62 Belvedere and need to see which method is easier. Engine is stripped, radiator removed. I rebuilt the 727 tf trans last year but I didn't install a bolt in sprag like I wanted to so I want to do this while the motor is out.

Going to pull it with a regular engine hoist using chains. Ceilings are standard garage height. I am concerned about the tailshaft and maneuvering it over the radiator support. How hard is it to pull this way?

 

[Basket case]

I've only done one engine/trans together.Pretty easy, but I don't have any problem doing them separate.

 

[MOPOWER871]

I've done both and i think pulling them together since they both have to come out . Just make sure you get the motor as close to the hook as possible , and have a buddy help lift the tail shaft over the radiator support as you roll the hoist backwards.also drain tranny fluid before doing this if possible and rap a rag and a bag around the tailshaft with eletrical tape otherwise you'll have a mess on the floor good luck

 

[snakeoil24]

Together will avoid any damage to trans.

 

[khryslerkid]

Together will make a nice mess if you don't drain the automatic first. Or rap the tail shaft real tight with plastic or something to seal it from leaking trans fluid all over the shop...

 

[Bb70charger500]

I used to say Trans then eng but I don't like doing heavy stuff anymore so I let the cherry picker do all the work now it's much easyer . Also keep in mind if you yank the trans first the eng Will need to be supported while you get the car high enough to slide the trans out and when you go to let the car back downdon't forget to let the eng support down too I've seen a few accidents destroying oil pans .
Remember work smarter not harder the transmission s are heavy

 

[threewood]

Thanks for the input. This is my first v8 to pull so I think I will take baby steps and pull the engine first then deal with the trans. I already have it almost ready to go, just have to bolt the chains, remove the engine mount bolts and snatch it up. Both just look so long that I would rather not have to deal with hangups due to the extra length.

 

[64SF]

One of the tips I picked up from this forum is to raise the rear end which lowers the core support. Make it a lot easier for me.

 

[miller]

For what it's worth...I've always pulled/installed motor/trans together.
Just easier than having to fight the trans separate, getting it out of the hole. Besides having to unhook the trans from the engine, while under the car.

One thing I usually do, after draining the trans fluid, is use a small piece of plywood for the trans tailshaft housing to rest on. Of course, that's for after loosening the three mounts, trans crossover, etc.
Just have to raise the engine to get the oil pan over the K-frame, and go forward, letting the trans slide with that plywood.
Once it's forward enough, if it's hooked up right, easy enough to hand lift the trans, up and over.

Kinda drastic, but remember seeing one deal a 'Super Stock' guy did on his set-up. Of course, motor pulling was a regular deal. He cut the radiator core support top brace. Simply fastened a bracket on each side, so it could be removed, or bolted back on, when needed. Sure would make getting the mess 'over' the core support easier...nice big hole.