Remove trans - DIY motor support bracket/chain/tool?

[airkooledchris]

I think the above is the tool VW used to remove the trans with the motor still in place. I did some searching and found a lot of threads mentioning this process, but didn't find a specific tip on creating this tool...

so, what do you use to facilitate this process? yea, it's the first time id be tackling this, which is why im probably asking more questions and making it seem more difficult than it really is. ;p

[Vanagon Nut]

With the air cooled engine, I supported it from underneath with wood or a bottle jack (can't recall) Proper wood blocks are probably best.

I used a floor jack. Not the easiest. (first time)

I've read that some use a motorcycle or ATV lift (though I swear I've seen them with "one piece" support) i.e. :

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950191000P?sid=BVReview

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[airkooledchris]

you used a floor jack to support the bottom of the motor when you pulled the trans? If so, what did you use to support the trans when it needed to be lowered and pulled out of the way? (another jack?)

I was thinking about using my SUV style floor jack (21 inch lift) to support and then lower the transmission. Perhaps drive the van up on ramps beforehand, and my missing link has been how to support the motor while still in the van without the trans there.

come to think of it I may not be able to reach the bottom of either with the van on ramps. (with a regular floor jack.)

[McVanagon]

I used ramps to lift the van.
I used my floor jack and a jerryrigged wood platform to lower the transmission.
I used a combination of cinderblocks, 4x4s, and a bottlejack to support and lower the engine just enough to get the transmission out.

I have a Cycle/Quad jack now. I will use it next time.
_________________
'69 Mike
'85 GL
'87 Wolfsburg Hardtop

[Vanagon Nut]

[Wildthings]

There is very little force on the engine once the tranny is removed. You can just hang the rear of the engine using a piece of wire or cord. Just lay a 2x4 over the engine hatch opening for something to attach to.

[McVanagon]

[airkooledchris]

thanks for the additional tips guys. mcvan, if you can, id love to see it.

wild- your talking something like this, only I don't even need the winch since I don't need to move the motor itself yea?

just put the 2x6's across the compartment and attach the rear of the motor to it so it can't dip downward and the front (fan side) mounts will take care of the rest?

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks man.

I imagine one could fasten some nice ~45* "bolsters" onto the platform to cradle the tranny a little. ..... or strap the tranny down with some duct tape.... heh heh
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Vanagon Nut]

[kshbaja]

I built something out of a 4x4 and a piece of threaded rod with an eye hook on the end. Put the hook through one of the lift points on the engine so the shaft is vertical. Drill a small hole in the 4x4 that is just large enough for the rod and then lower the 4x4 so the rod projects vertically through the hole. Then drop a washer on the rod and finally a nut. After tightening the nut down to the 4x4 you should be supporting the engine. What I liked about this design is that you can securely raise/lower the engine in very small increments just by turning the nut.

I also built the other winch-based gizmo mentioned previously for dropping the engine to the floor, and lifting it up to my bench with the gizmo perched in the garage ceiling joists!
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1986 Westfalia

[foodeater]

[airkooledchris]

if I can get away with not buying an ATV jack right now, that would be great.
I like the look of that 4x4 with the bolt/hook and will consider fabbing up just such a piece tonight and see what it looks like. it seems to be holding the side of the motor I need to support when only pulling the trans, which was the original goal.

now to just put together a final parts list on what seals/etc ill be replacing and I should be good to go for this weekend. (yes im excited about it now... we'll see how I feel Sunday)

edited to add : ok, I also need to see about fabbing up some sort of platform for the trans to rest in, to aid in the reinstallation of it afterward.

[BigNick0]

I just pulled the transmission in my '91 a few weeks ago for the first time. Heres what I did:

1. Put jack under transmission end, and unbolt transmission mount.
2. Lower whole assembly leaving enough room for transmission to clear frame.
3. Put jackstand with wood block under engine case.
4. Use second jack at front of transmission with plywood (about 1'x2.5') along transmission body.
5. I unbolted the transmission and gently lowered/slid it off and out, using the plywood as a ramp at the final stage and removing the mount side jack.

I managed to do this unassisted. I even got it back in by myself using a single jack, and a rolling furniture dolly. I hand-lifted the mount side of the transmission onto more and more wood blocking sitting on top of the dolly, as I jacked the front up to meet the engine. The transmission isn't that heavy. I managed it myself and I'm a lightweight guy at buck thirty-five.



In retrospect I spent more time worrying and thinking about how I was going to do it, than it actually took to get it done.

Good luck!

-Nick

[kshbaja]

The 4x4 with bolt was used for a clutch replacement. I only have 1 jack and needed that for the tranny. It worked great.
_________________
1986 Westfalia

[McVanagon]

[dobryan]

[airkooledchris]

im really liking this 'keepin it simple' method:

thats not mine, but that looks stupid easy.
use a bottle jack to raise and lower the motor wile removing it (trans),
then lock it (motor) in place with the chained 4x4

[?Waldo?]

I've used similar to other concepts here, but when removing just the engine I use three sections of all thread that are long enough to lift the engine from the ground. The three points coupled with the ability to slide the supports on the cross pieces allows the ability to orient the engine solidly in any specific angle and to slide it in any direction.

For the tranny, I've always just used the simple block of wood under the balance point and used the assistance of a friend to avoid difficult moments. I will likely make a more complicated wood support for the tranny to make solo installation easier.

For simply supporting the engine during tranny removal, I've always used just one all-thread. I definitely prefer it over a simple chain. The easy fine adjustability up and down can sometimes make a big difference in the ease of work.

Andrew

[Vanagon Nut]