I'm just wondering how all these DIY's are supposedly "lowering" the tranny out with such ease. My experience has been that there's literally not enough room between the engine and frame of the car that unless the engine was taken out first, the tranny just won't fit out, no matter how I rotate it.

Perhaps I'm missing a step? If someone could help, that'd be great. I seem to have bit off more than I can chew, which sucks!

This car is a 2005 EX 5-spd coupe







So, as you can see, the frame and the engine create a space that's much too small to drop the tranny out... so what's the trick?

Thanks for the help, anyone who helps.

I'm just speculating, but I think you need to unbolt the subframe to drop the tranny from the bottom.

You either have to drop the subframe or pull the thermostat housing off and pull it from the top.

I've heard top method is easier for manual transmissions, bottom is easier for auto's. You will have to pull the cluch off if you chose the top method.

Please post if the top method works for you because this is how I plan on pulling my manual tranny soon.

Sorry brotha I went thru the bottom!

Can't believe I skipped the subframe step! Feel like a dumbass.

It's a successful clutch, flywheel and input shaft bearing job thus far.

Edit: Thanks for the replies!

How complicated was the ISB? I'll be doing the same job here shortly on my '05.

I may just drop it from the bottom, I gotta replace my LCA bushings anyways.

Did you do the job solo or have help?

Glad it's going well, I've been dreading this job, mostly b/c I've never pulled a trans on a 7th gen and never done an ISB period.

Pretty much dead on, but you need to support the motor somehow.

OP- How did you manage to support the motor or do you have an engine hoist?

I have an auto so I had to go out the bottom, but doesn't matter, you still need to support the engine. I do have a hoist, but you could use a combination of a jack, a 2x4 across the strut towers, and a ratchet strap to hold the engine up. The hoist worked great as it was easy to go up and down with the engine to line the tranny up, but you can't leave it there. You need something mechanical to hold the engine up while you work on the clutch etc. Such as jackstands, the 2x4 and straps, etc. The engine lifts are hydraulic, which leak down and sqaush you or damages parts......

A good engine lift wont leak. The only reason I ask is because I dropped an auto tranny from the bottom and it was a PITA but I dont even know how to begin pulling it from the top it is too heavy. Thanks anyway for the tips.

They are hydraulic, I gaurantee it will leak given time. Hydraulics are never sealed 100%, not possible to do and still have movement. Best approach is to treat every hydraulic lift or jack, etc like it leaks. Safety concern here. 15 years ago I might have said it was an easy shortcut, but life and working in the field has taught me that getting crushed is not worth it. Jack stands are cheap, a human life is not worth an extra few seconds either......

Hmm I was talking about an engine lift. Not a jack. I agree I wouldnt get under a car without two or more jack stands either. Stay Safe.