replacing transmission

[Philbush1127]

so ill try to make this as quick as possible. i removed my bad trans/motor as once piece so i did not run into this problem. but now that i am putting the replacements in to the vehicle in two pieces i have run into a problem i think. i remember reading somewhere that you have to drop the steering rack in order to replace a bellhousing bolt? is this true? can somebody verify this? I've tried searching the forums a little bit with no luck

 

[snivilous]

As I recall, the first time I pulled the tranny I didn't touch the steering rack. Obviously it makes it easier with the rack pulled, but I don't remember it being mandatory.

 

[TheDurk]

It certainly isn't on a manual--and I assume bell housing bolts are in the same place. You do have to drop the trans support cross-member and use a whole pile of extensions and swivels to get to the ones on top, but no need to touch the rack.