transmission removal/install

[maabus03]

To start off, i'm swapping a 5spd with a 4spd in my 74 260z. The 5spd is in my 73 240z ( started off as project car but found good deal on 260z...minimal rust) and planning on taking that out and puttin in 260z ( which leads to another question later). I know how to do the removal/installation of tranny, thats np, but I was just wondering if you guys have or know of a easier ways of swapping tranmissions without removing the engine. All I have is 4 jackstands to put the car up on. So mainly I'm just looking the best ways to unbolting the tranny while its in the car. Like what put under it? a jack to hold itup (tranny)? but how do i keep it from tipping over ect.

Another on how to put it back up there? Kinda hard trying to hold that tranny up and bolting it at the same time. I will have a person helping me but still will be tough while having to be under the car. So I'm just lookin for some tips on making this process quicker and easier. ( On the '73 240z I had the engine pulled when I put on the tranny so was alot easier).

Actually have 2 more questions

1. On my 73 240z, it used to be a automatic and I did the 5spd conversion on it. When I bolted the tranny up, I wasn't able to shift it at all because the tranny was too short and the shifter would only stay in either 2 or 4th gear. I would've ended up having to cut the tranmission tunnel hole larger for it to shift. I'm putting that 5 spd in my 74 260z now...but its a 4spd already. Would I have that problem or should the size (tranny) be the same? The tranny is out of a 78 280z I think, not for sure.

2. This doesn't have to do with drivetrain ect, but will ask it. On the 260z, when I bought it recently, someone had completely disconnected the electric fuel pump in the rear and hooked up new tubes going directly from the fuel tank on up to the carbs ( or wherever they go up there).so now the fuel pump is just hanging there, no fuel in or out. I checked the connections and turned the key to 'on' and to see if it worked, didn't hear it working so guesing its shot.

My question is should I keep it as is or replace it and hook it back up? (btw there is a fuel filter back there and the mechanical fuel pump on the engine does work) Can the 260z run well enough on just the one pump? I noticed my carbs occasionaly backfire when I accelerate and idles, would that because of lack of fuel?

Sry for being so long. Really appreciate your suggestions and help though

( won't be able to check back til tomorrow night/morning(3:30am)).

[Daniel]

The mech pump is fine. You really need a lift if at all possible. Crawling like a reptile will hurt for days.Also consider replacing the rear main seal while your there. I have used long socket extentions in the top engine to tranny holes as a guide.Lining the shaft up is a bitch and you dont want to be slamming into the clutch. Myself I would want TWO helpers. Be safe!

[Bambikiller240]

Rent a transmission jack for $20

[ChrisA]

Rent a transmission jack for $20

After you rent the jack, and have the tranny ready to drop out, put a cargo strap with the ratchet around it also. The more secure you have it on the jack, the easier it will be to manipulate around.

My .02

Chris

[maabus03]

Thanks for the suggestions, sounds like it'll be tough any way I do it.

[Bubbleguinea]

make sure you drain the fluid out first! i made the mistake of not doing that, and when i was under the car helping the back of the tranny up when my dad was lifting the engine, i got a deluge of tranny oil in my face. and mouth. i do like the smell though...