How to disconnect engine from transmission?

[lcchik]

We are in the process of removing the engine from my 2001 SR5 4WD. Almost finished but we saved the best for last...disconnecting the AT from the engine. How in the heck does one get to the bolts on the bellhousing?? I have the FSM and Haynes but am not seeing it. Starter has been disconnected, but we left it just perched in there not knowing how to get it out (have now read that it can be removed via the wheel well so that will be done tomorrow). We have lots of extensions, but where is the access point to get to the bolts? Via the wheel wheel? I have researched this forum and yodatech for a couple of hours tonight and I am still unclear how to proceed....

Thank you all in advance ..

 

[Doc2012]

Best way to get them out is to get them from behind the transmission. Put a jack or something under the transmission to support it, let it hang on the motor. The bottom and side bolts aren't hard to get to at all, but the top two or four are a real PITA. You're going to need alot of extensions, and patience. A swivle doesn't hurt either. Got from the back of the transmission, using the tranny tunnnel to give you some extra room. Once you get the top two or four bolts out, it's fairly easy from there. Did you remember to get the bolts from the flywheel to torque converter??? Those are fun. Easiest way, I've found, is get a flat head screwdriver, and turn the fly wheel using the bell housing. Kind of pry on it. Then, keep the screw driver in there to keep the fly wheel from turning when you loosen the bolts....

 

[lcchik]

Thanks Doc for the response. Reading your response I realize my question is really...

Where is a good access to loosen the bolts on the torque converter? wheel well??

 

[86SupraMKII]

Has anyone pulled the motor and transmission together at the same time? That's what I did when I rebuilt the engine on my Supra. I did place the back wheels of my car on ramps and angle the motor and trany out together.

You might be able to see the ramps in the pic (although it was already off the ramps by this time) to get the idea of how to angle them out together... if that makes sense.

 

[Doc2012]

The best way is to get under the truck. Put it up on ramps or on stands. There should be a small plate on the front of the bell housing. There two bolts that hold this plate on. Take that plate off, and you'll be able to access the bolts that hold the torque converter to the flywheel. Like I said before, the easiest way to get them off, is to get a small prybar or a large flat head screwdriver, and using the teeth on the flywheel to rotate the bolts.

Hope this helps ya out.

 

[lcchik]

Did it!

Went back at it last night and got them all out. Finally! Once we found the right spot to access(7pm on the torque converter - near the starter location - facing towards back of truck), we were able to get better access with help from extensions. Thank you all!