If I drop the transmission while the car is on jack stands, will I be able to get to the shift pin to pull it or should I go ahead and take out the console and remove from the top? It almost looks like I can get to it with the trans still in. I was thinking there would be enough play in the boot to pull the trans back a bit, then while on the jack drop it down a bit giving access to the shift lever retaining pin. Just wondering how other have done this when pulling the trans while leaving the engine installed.

What year are you working on. We commonly remove the "Jesus" clip and the pin from underneath. Use magnet and a long screw driver. Otherwise you will be going Jesus where did the clip go. We do this early year cars.


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75 280z

Oops sorry I am not much help there. Pretty much a 70-73 experience.

 

Just watched a video on a 280zx. Seem like with the drive shaft out of the way and the trans back and down a little bit he was able to get at it.

The last I dropped my tranny I took the center console out because I was afraid I couldn't get the car up high enough on the stands to do what you are asking. IIRC the FSM says to remove the console as well. But, I would assume if you can get it high enough it would be possible. I would be afraid of damaging the rubber shift boot doing it that way.

I reached mine from inside the console hole, recently, when my shifter bushings disintegrated.  But I had to pop the clips off of the pseudo-leather shifter boot to get to it.  I was able to reach the screws holding the rubber boot and get it removed, and with the right picks it was pretty easy to get the clip off and out.  But I have spare clips also so was prepared to lose it.  I didn't try to put the leather back onto the console either when i was done since it's so shrunk it doesn't fit anyway.  I made a little plastic ring to hold the bottom open and just set it over the shift lever.  For now.

If you remove the knob the shift lever will just pull through the hole, I think, when you drop it, if it's in 1st or 3rd.  It's putting it back together that will be difficult.  But, the problem with leaving it on while you drop it is if you have a problem you could put a lot of side-force on the lever, if the trans drops too much or twists.  Then you can get stuck with the trans partially dropped and the shift lever bound up and the pin inaccessible.  That's why I've always removed my console in the past, to remove the lever first.  To avoid creating problems.  So the question might be - do you feel lucky?

Will pull the console out, its not that big a deal, thx for the input all. I the video I watched the guy had a lift and a proper trans jack, prob made it look easier than it would be for me lying on my back with only a few inches to spare.

Like the others, I've always pulled the console just to make it easier for installation.  I don't like the idea of the shifter jabbing holes in the inner rubber boot or the outer pleather boot upon re-install. It's one thing less to be careful of.

The only part I don't like about removing the console is taking out the stereo.  Just a PITA to me.

44 minutes ago, gwri8 said:

taking out the stereo.  Just a PITA to me.

Yep, same here. I'd rather pull the tranny than mess with the stereo. 

And getting those console wires plugged back in.  Nissan could have added an inch or two.

Good way to keep your trans oil inside for a couple of bucks is use a rubber cap from a hardware store.  Worked good for me when removing and pressure washing.