Getting ready to pull the engine ...

[Guest mowog]

out of my '38 Special. The intake & exhaust are off, head's off and at the machine shop, pulled off the oilpan, pistons are out (so I could check them - not pretty), generator is off, etc. Anybody got any secrets as far as "do this first, THEN this" etc.? Hoping to get the block and transmission together. What's got me a little flummoxed is the torque tube connection. Can I just unbolt the flange at the transmission and pull the block/tranny off the driveshaft without wrecking anything? I know there's a u-joint in there, but I can't tell from the shop manual exactly how everything connects. I'd REALLY rather not have to drop the rear axle. Thanks for any pointers!

Dan

[Guest Two Roadmasters]

Loosen the bolts that hold the torque tube to the flange. There is a universal joint but it is inside the flange. This flange is usually leaking oil. You should be able to lift the engine a little bit off the engine supports and pull towards front and the tube will come off. There might be some tightening tendencies if the angle of the tube is too for off a straight line from transmission flange and backwards. But if the rear axle is on stands and supports the body it usually works.

Mats

[Guest mowog]

Thanks, Mats - hoping to give it a whirl this weekend! Dan

[Guest mowog]

Ok, I guess this is going to take a while. The twins aren't being very supportive of Daddy tinkering in the garage right now. I'm sure it must just be a phase...