take the yoke (only) and plug that big hole in the back with it. I taped an old extra one I had on the back when I did my 4cyl swap several years ago and no messy messy and tranny was still full. jeez that was like 2003-04ish ..... seems like yesterday. Anyways I think it is way easier to take it out and put it back in all together. No holding a tranny up on my chest. My friend Bart (latamud) showed me the way to get it in without a jack or stand. Can be painful but works great and is fast.
made some very minor progress in the last couple of days. i got the trans, clutch and flywheel seperated from the motor. also got the 302 onto an engine stand. it's amazing what you can learn just by taking something apart.
i honestly don't remember. i had the trans put in there a long time ago. i actually forgot that it was a tremec unit. i'll have to look tomorrow and see which one it is. from what i remember, when i had it put in, it was labeled as a z-rated trans??
about 188k on the odo. as far as i know, the motor has never been out of the car. it was running decent, it just wouldn't pass smog any longer. it was leaking oil like crazy but when i pulled it apart, a number of the top end bolts were finger tight.
just wanted to add a small update on my progress.... got the front suspension completely removed over the weekend. the only thing left in there is the k-member power steering rack. i also took off the front bumper cover. everytime i open the hood and see all of the wires, vacuum lines, etc still sitting in the engine bay i ask myself, "what have you got yourself into"!!?? so i guess it's time to start gathering front suspension pieces and begin the powdercoat/painting process.
