Trans install separate from engine?

[GT_Rich]

I feel like this is a dumb question, but since I don't see anyone doing it this way I thought I would ask. On a Gen 3 chassis, is there room to install the engine and trans separately? I have a lift and a trans jack, so this is how I have assembled project cars in the past. I would rather do this instead of hanging an engine from a hoist while trying to zero out the bell housing and install a clutch. If it matters any, my combo is a 9.5" deck Windsor with a TKX trans.

Thanks,
Rich

[edwardb]

Yes, there's room to do it that way. I have a T-56 in mine (larger than a TKX) and it fits easily with clearance all around. Although, as you say, most on here don't. Including me. I actually prefer installing, measuring, torqueing, etc. everything out in the open where access is easy and I can confirm the trans is mating up OK. Especially the first time. Hanging on the hoist isn't an issue IMO.

[GT_Rich]

For others on here, if you have a SBF and TKX, don't attempt this. With the bellhousing in place, you can't get the input shaft far enough back to clear the bell housing and go in. The tail of the trans hits the top bars of the tunnel and the bottom of the trans hits the lower cross brace in the frame about a 1/4" before the input shaft has clearance. Out comes the engine.

[Gordon Levy]

Bolt them together and slide them in, way easier. If you are trying to put the trans in later, you have to put the bell and trans up together but unbolted up into place then bolt everything together.

[GT_Rich]

Bolt them together and slide them in, way easier. If you are trying to put the trans in later, you have to put the bell and trans up together but unbolted up into place then bolt everything together.

Yeah, that's the input I needed prior to choosing this route. The answer, "it fits easily with clearance all around" was not helpful.

I agree if the bell housing was loose/floating, you could make it happen. But I have a QuickTime housing already installed and indexed. So, once I realized the trans wasn't going to make it, I abandoned ship. Not, of course, before chipping up a bunch of powder coating.

[Jeff Kleiner]

FWIW, I did a TKX R&R from below on a Gen3 Coupe with a Coyote a couple weeks ago. Bell stayed on the engine. No picnic but doable however keep in mind that the back of the Coyote is about 1 1/2” farther forward than a Windsor.

Jeff

[GT_Rich]

FWIW, I did a TKX R&R from below on a Gen3 Coupe with a Coyote a couple weeks ago. Bell stayed on the engine. No picnic but doable however keep in mind that the back of the Coyote is about 1 1/2” farther forward than a Windsor.

Jeff

1.5" would have made a world of difference. In fact, half that would have provided the needed clearance.