Need advice: Engine +/- Tranny Removal

[MercuryMarc]

Need advice-

I have my cherry picker and load leveler, and my rebuilt 78 200 (with 82 Monach Duraspark dizzy - woo hoo!) ready to go! But my 69 C4 tranny is slowly on it's way out, pausing before shifting into reverse.

I think I'll pull them both out together and rebuild the tranny, then attach the tranny to the engine out of the car, and install them both together as a unit.

The problem is that since it's my first tranny and engine rebuild, the more things I "fix" the more things can get messed up. If I left the tranny alone, then when I would have potentially half as many issues to address when trying to get the car running again. And maybe I could do the tranny in a few months after I get all the engine bugs worked out.

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions or advice?

Thanks- this is a great forum!

Marc in SF
63 Comet Ragtop with 69 200/C4
Soon to swap a 78 200 w/82 Duraspark
http://mercurycomet.net

 

[BIGREDRASA]

I wouldn't put in a suspect tranny. If it was acting up with a worn engine, it's more likely to die with a new one. Fix it all at once, then drive with confidence.

 

[addo]

Squeezing in the engine and trans together from above is going to be a challenge. I believe that on these models, Ford raised them up from under the car. Not saying you can't do it, but may take some planning, and require the front of your car to be raised somewhat.

I want to do something similar, and was thinking of hoisting the car up at the front with the engine crane, and dragging it over the top of the combo. Then lifting the motor up...

Regards, Adam.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

Squeezing in the engine and trans together from above is going to be a challenge. I believe that on these models, Ford raised them up from under the car. Not saying you can't do it, but may take some planning, and require the front of your car to be raised somewhat.

I want to do something similar, and was thinking of hoisting the car up at the front with the engine crane, and dragging it over the top of the combo. Then lifting the motor up...

Regards, Adam.

Whether installed as one or in pieces, I still don't think it makes sense to put a sick tranny back in behind a fresh engine.

 

[CobraSix]

Unless the merc is significantly different then the 65 mustang, I would pull them together. It's actually much easier putting them together out side of the car vice inside the car, at least with manual transmissions. It took me and a friend about 2 hours to put the engine/tranny combo in as one piece. It took me and (mostly Al) to put the same transmission in behind the engine while in the car about the same time or a little longer. Lining up the transmission under the car is a royal PITA. I'm not sure if Autos are any different as far as lining up wit the torque converter vice linking up the input shaft to the clutch.

Slade

 

[MustangSix]

I always install them together.

 

[MercuryMarc]

Looks like I'll have to remove the starter to get the motor/tranny out.
The exhaust pipe that connects to the donut/manifold looks like it will interfere with the bellhousing. Can I just unclamp the exhaust brackets and swing the pipe over to the side, securing it with rope?

Thanks everyone for all the great advice!

Marc