just curious, remove engine or differential to do transmission yet?

[daveymc29]

So I'm wondering what is the easiest thing to do, pull the engine or the differential, to install a Mitchell Transmission? I'm leaning toward the differential but tried to gain the experience of some of you with a search, found nil. May have asked the question incorrectly. In a younger day I pulled and exchanged to differentials and one tranny in a long afternoon by myself, but that was then, this is now that I'm 80 and planning on getting a bit of help from club members. I thought that I could save time by undoing all the loose ends so only the hard part is left. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[J Franklin]

I thought the Mitchell needed a modified driveshaft & torque tube. If so the rear end would be best to remove. I may be mis-informed though.

[Mikeinnj]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I thought the Mitchell needed a modified driveshaft & torque tube. If so the rear end would be best to remove. I may be mis-informed though.

He is talking about replacing the transmission with a Mitchell
TRANSMISSION not an overdrive.

I would opt for pulling the rear differential . Much easier, less chance of damaging the bodywork too.

[hardtimes]

Hey Dave,
I've done both ways and my answer to your situation/question...is to pull the differential back !

[Jason in TX]

absolutely pull the rear axle.

- remove the two rear wheels and jack up the car and put jack stands.
- Four bolts on U bolts over crossmember and rear drops down.
- four bolts on torque tube clam shell and disconnect four brake rods and rear rolls back.


The other way
- Remove hood
- remove radiator support rods
- remove radiator hoses
- remove radiator/grill shell assembly
- remove battery cables,
- remove distributor and hang from radiator support rods
- remove throttle linkage, choke rod and timing linkage
- remove front engine mount
- remove both side engine mounts
- remove engine pans if they are still there
I'm sure I'm forgetting something....

way more steps...

[1929]

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Originally Posted by hardtimes

Hey Dave,
I've done both ways and my answer to your situation/question...is to pull the differential back !

I agree with Hardtimes, I found it to be much easier that way.

[sphanna]

I am not a trained or experienced mech. but I have done all my mod. A work alone. I have removed and replaced my engine for various tasks on my two "A"s. Removed the drive shaft/torque / rear axle twice. At 75 years old and alone, I found the rear end removal to be much easier to do. I just finished putting a new transmission in and two years ago installed the Mitchell OD. Lots of work but simple compared to engine removal. And with your
helpers, it'll be a piece of cake and fun.

[Mitch//pa]

Im also for the rear

[Tom Wesenberg]

And the consensus is to pull the rear end.

[johnsor]

When your old like me, the only hard part in diff. removal is when the creeper wheels tangle in the trouble light cord on the floor or when you have to get up off the creeper to get a tool you forgot.

[Ed H.]

when you have to get up off the creeper to get a tool you forgot.

OMG so true. Add bad knees to that and it is a major task. LOL

[daveymc29]

Thanks, the rear end on mine will not require undoing the brake rods. It has hydraulics and I think the line to the rear is long enough to allow backing the differential out far enough to make the swap. Thanks all for confirming what I was thinking of doing. Don't even need any special tools.

[VFRhugh]

After unbolting the rear spring U bolts the spring pack will only be held together by the center bolt. Be sure to keep out of the line of fire if it should fail. I wrapped a chain around mine last time. A couple of clamps could work also.
Hugh

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by daveymc29

Thanks, the rear end on mine will not require undoing the brake rods. It has hydraulics and I think the line to the rear is long enough to allow backing the differential out far enough to make the swap. Thanks all for confirming what I was thinking of doing. Don't even need any special tools.

re: special tools
I know that there are several ways to 'skin a rear end' from the A.
I have a rear spring spreader , that you can borrow to be safe !

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by hardtimes

re: special tools
I know that there are several ways to 'skin a rear end' from the A.
I have a rear spring spreader , that you can borrow to be safe !

I did my rear end work before I realized the dangers therein with that volitale spring. I was just real fortunate that everything worked out OK. I have since invested in a spring spreader should I ever have to do that again.

Of course, the spring spreader has been loaned out several times, so the investment has not gone idle.