Luther, Harbor Freight sells a tranny handling adapter (about $30) which replaces the 5 inch saddle on your standard floor jack.? If you are thinking one man job, this will make the difference.? Unfortunately, it adds about 5 inches to the height you need to clear the frame.?? Worth it tho.? It straps the tranny down and tilts to permit angling the trans into place.? I just resealed my son's Dodge Caravan, by myself, and I am 69.? I did saw off about a 3 inch strip on the adapter to let it fit more easily in the space available.? Mine is available if you live close.
For height, in front, I filled two std cement blocks, two pices of 3/4" plywood?which then I set my jack stands on.? In the back, the two jackstands were sufficient. Letting the engine/ trans assembly drop in the rear (keeping close watch for firewall clearance and cable strain) will make it easier to get at those honkin' big hex bolts, best reached with about 20 inches of extentions and a 1/2" breaker bar.? Clean the hex sockets (10mm) thoroughly with a brake cleaner, you don't want to round one of these and have it slip!? When they break loose, you will swear you broke something!? Heavy gloves will cushion the hands but watch your elbow.? Finally, get as much of the trans fluid out before you start, as it will run out the tailshaft when you pull the driveshaft. Good luck! Jim in Phoenix I'm thinking I need about 2' of clearance under the engine to squeeze the tranny in and out. Maybe those leftover 2x12s that I have will work when stacked and screwed together. -----Original Message----- From: Luther <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Sent: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:18 am Subject: Re: [MBZ] trans R&R shade-tree style I'm thinking I need about 2' of clearance under the engine to squeeze the tranny in and out. Maybe those leftover 2x12s that I have will work when stacked and screwed together. -- Luther KB5QHU Alma, Ark '87 300SDL (272,xxx mi) head case '85 Ford F250 6.9 diesel (x58,xxx mi) BioBeast '82 300CD (176 kmi) '82 300D (74 kmi) getting donor engine-sold '85 300D (280,176) parts car sans engine Quoting Jim Cathey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: >> I'm looking for tips and knowledge for getting my SDL high enough to >> R&R the >> trans using floor/bottle jacks, jack stands, and ramps. Ideas? Any >> experience? TIA all. > > 450 SL tranny replacement. Had to get it scary high in the air > in order to actually have room to work the tranny out from under. > I think I had to jack it up in two steps, using big firewood rounds > as spacers. Not my idea of great fun, but fairly stable if the > wood is big enough. (And sawn square on the ends!) > > -- Jim > > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
