I'm attempting to remove my transmission to finish my clutch job but, I cannot get the bell housing to clear the flywheel. The FSM says to support the engine by placing a jack under the oil pan and remove the center member. I'm not to eager to place any load on the oil pan, especially considering mine is rusty. Also, I've seen some people perform clutch jobs with the center member still attached and so, I was hopeful that I could do this job without taking the center member off.

Did I make a mistake? Do I need to remove the center member? If so, is it because it will allow the engine to rotate downward and allow the transmission to clear the quarter panel and flywheel?

 

The cross member must come down to free up the space for the tranny to drop. I'm not even sure how the heck you dismounted the trans with it still in place. I ran in to the same issue installing my new one this weekend, although FWIW im auto. I could not even get those last few bolts on the bottom out with it still in place. Take the extra few minutes, drop the subframe, and support the motor with a high lift jack stand. It makes the job much easier. Goodluck

 

I just got it out. Supported the engine with a floor jack and lowered it about 3 inches. Transmission slid right out.

Thanks.