Removing engine from 3rd gen without pulling trans.

[mattd1979]

I want to pull the engine which is a vg30e without pulling the transmission with it. I want to avoid having to pull the front steering and half-shafts. I did a search but couldn't find where anyone else has attempted this. Has anyone tried this and if so, do you have any pointers for me? The reason for pulling it is because I need to drill out about 5 broken exhaust manifold studs(There may be more). Two on the front and three on the rear. I figured while I had it out that I'd go ahead and change the timing belt along with any gaskets that are leaking like the front main seal and possibly the rear main seal.
So let me know.

Thanks,
Matt

[Kompresshun]

The only problem I can foresee is just getting the engine out from around the transmission, due to the flywheel being attached to the engine. I'm sure it may be possible, but you may risk breaking more stuff than if you just dropped the transmission too.

[mattd1979]

I know that I will have to rotate the flywheel to get to each of the 4 nuts in order to separate the torque converter. I don't see that being a problem. I just wondered if anyone else has attempted this and if so, was there anything specific that I needed to do. I'm going to come in on the passenger side with the hoist and once I get the bellhousing and flywheel freed up along with the motor mounts, I'm going to try and lift it enough to clear the frame mounts and pull the hoist away from the passenger side enough to free the engine from the transmission and then hoist it up and over the fender.

[mattd1979]

Well just wanted to update. Still haven't pulled the engine yet. I managed to finally get a hoist. Now just need to get a leveler and a couple of engine hooks. Oh and I took a closer look at my original plan. From what I can tell, there is no possible way for me to separate the engine enough to clear the bell-housing before I run into the passenger frame rail. I guess I'll just have to remove the half-shafts and pull the entire unit out the top.

[maxhopper]

I've done numerous engine swaps on the 4th gens, and I always found it to be much easier to take out both at the same time. A couple things I learned that should be similar to your 3rd gen: I always removed the lower cross member. I attached the chains off the leveler to the engine mount on the passenger side and the transmission mount holes on the driver side. Then lower the transmission side of the leveler as far as it would go when both removing and installing. Good luck on your project.