Can anyone tell me how to remove the spring that is connected to the Clutch Release Bearing sleeve so that I can remove the transmission from the clutch housing? You can not get close enough to see into the hole where the clutch release fork comes out to see where it is located. I can't even imagine how you put it back on when you reassemble it. I stuck a dentists mirror in there to see it but can not coordinate the mirror and a tool to disconnect. No room. What is the secret???

you dont need to release the spring, the transmission should be removed without releasing the spring

Why does the shop manual state to remove the spring before removing the trans?

Don't know what 38 Dodge shop manual you are looking at. The only spring that needs to be removed is on the clutch fork. I have 38 Dodge shop manual and can send you acopy of the removal steps. The release bearing comes out with the transmission.

Hi There CP !!
Gearbox should be very easy, remove floorboards, disconnect driveshaft, speedo, handbrake, gearstick etc, remove the four bolts that hold the gearbox to the bell housing sit inside the car, with legs either side of the gearbox and slide rearward. I have had my gearbox out 3 times in the last 3 months (don't ask !!!) the gearbox should NOT hang up in the clutch area.

cp i think that the spring you are refering to could be the spring that went from the clutch fork to the chassis (frame)and that is only to release the pressure from the shaft, other wise all you have to do is as dave says, i have removed quite a few this way with no problems