Though this method doesn't seem efficient, sometimes it's the only way to get those top bolts out. In my short amount of experience in automotives, I have removed and installed 2 trannies, i believe. In both, I had access to a Hydraulic lift so that I could gain more access under the vehicle. I had to use 4-6 extensions on a ratchet with hella lights to be able to see what I was doing. These were on trucks though, so there was probably even more room to work with on those than in your 'stang. But you may give that a try if you've got a lifter.
so I got all of the bolts without the lift and now I am trying to get the tranny down, does anyone know whether or not i need to slide the transmission back to free it and drop it down or should it just drop (of course I am going to use a jack)? My next step is cleaning freaking everything, there was a hella lotta shavings in my pan. So I am assuming that there will still be some cycling in the transmission its self. Anyone know of a place that i can go to that will either clean it for me or let me clean it myself. like a automotive store or something? I am in Northern idaho so there isnt much.
hopefully it will work, today I conquer taking the tranny out after breakfast. At that point i will take the pump out and see how f***ed up it is and assess whether or not I want to try it myself. I do have all of the parts and an illustrated book to help with it. So I should be good to go. There is still the cleaning it part though.
just wondering, did you also remove the torque converter nuts?.
If so you just need to slide the trans back with some help it should come down. I dont know how you got the bolts out, but the way to do it is by dropping the trans crossmember and transmission mount first. This allows the transmission to tilt back some and gives you access to the top bolts. You also use a few extensions and universal joints.
any new info on removing the bolts from the torque converter, I cant figure out a way to make the thing stop rotating when I apply pressure (lots) *world is getting fuzzy living under my car*
If you are trying to remove the torque converter from the flexplate/flywheel, what you will want to do is have a friend with you. Get him to clamp the flywheel and then you get the bolt as hard as you can, it's worked for me.
What size is the bolt? I was using a 14mm and the bolt was stripping!! Is it possible i could cut the bolt's head off with a saw/dremel?
Also, Just to be sure, the bolt we're talking about is behind the flexplate/flywheel but before the engine adapter plate/block?
Right now, all exhaust, xmember, engine-tranny bolts are off. The tranny is hanging on the input shaft but won't clear the underside. The torque converter is still attached to the flywheel/engine. What should my next step be?