engine and drivetrain removing engine via dropping subframe

[repoman]

Just curious....

If I drop the engine by unbolting the struts and subframe, leaving the tranny in place, will the engine balance on the subframe (with the wheels still on) and rest against the end of the tranny or will it take a nose dive and hit the fan?

[nbcbird]

The short answer is yes, but if you drop it too much you will snap your rubber transmission mount. I would suggest dropping it a little at a time and alternate between the subframe and the tranny mount (remove the bracket). Also the balance point form right to left is fairly small, so use ample blocking under your jack to stabilize any movement and prevent the motor from tipping into the right chasis rail or fender well.--Jim

[repoman]

Good to know...thanks!

I'm not too worried about the body as I may just cut the nose off and pull it out the front. The body is rusted and I will be hauling the carcuss off for scrap.

I was hoping to use the subframe/wheels for an engine dolly to move it around. I do have a engine hoist and stand, but time is of the essence.....

[jgerock]

Just looking at how BMW MT installed the complete assembly in the Inka tii is a little scary. The jack would have to be positioned carefully.

Maybe you could somehow jack up the transmission to keep the rear mount from separating. Then again, why not just pull everything at the same time?

[Biemenstien]

You gotta do it this way...

Bill Williams turned me on to this procedure and it works like a champ!

Check it out.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,304318/

[c.d.iesel]

[Pinepig]

I did this not long ago on Joe's car, drop the tranny with it all in one piece. we sat two milk crates under the subframe and just raised the car off of it, works well.

[ArdenK]

I used this method on my 73, and will probably do it on the 76.

First I removed the drive shaft.

Then got the traney loose, don't forget the reverst light switch wires and spedo cable.

Get all wires, hoses and linkage disconnected from engine.

Remove nose or get a 3 foot chain.

Attach engine crane to motor.

Raise body.

Remove subframe bolts.

Lower motor and remove.

Good luck

[Pierre]

DO NOT FORGET THE SEERING ROD.

You must disconnect the steering rod from the steering box. There is a pinch bolt for that purpose. The steering box drops with the subframe, complete struts and suspension.

[ArdenK]

Good catch Pierre,

I forgot to mention the brake lines, you have to disconnect those too!

[Bill_Riblett]

Good catch Pierre,

I forgot to mention the brake lines, you have to disconnect those too!

Or you can unbolt the calipers and you won't have to bleed the brakes.