im rebuilding a d15b2 on the side right now, will swap it in soon. im wondering, can i just swap out the engine? i really dont want to mess with axles and shift linkage, is there enough space to unbolt the tranny from the engine? i dont have an impact or compressor, just breaker bar + sockets. first swap here

 

ya should be able to get the motor out with leaving the tranny in but i dont think theres enough room with the driver side axle in, its pretty easy to get the axles out i would say take the axles out

 

WAY easier to pull tranny with the engine.
Axles aren't that bad - remove wheel, remove axle nut, remove strut fork, unbolt lower ball joint.
Then you are left with the shift linkage which is one bolt and the bitch pin. Not even hard at all if you use the proper type of tool to drift the bitch pin out.

Problem with pulling the engine alone is trying to install it and get it to mate up.
If you don't have a highly maneuverable hoist then it's going to be hell.

 

not to thread jack but how do you get the bitch pin out i havent been able to do it yet i just unbolt where the shifter goes into the car

 

8mm punch. so i should take the tranny out along with the engine then? im worried about breaking loose those 32mm nuts

 

Make sure you pry out the crushed area on the 32s.
The wheels I have on let me loosen the bolts with the car still on the ground so it's not so bad.
Also helps to have replaced axles and removed the nut several time - no corrosion or grime to worry about.

If you can't do it with the car on the ground just one side and put the tranny in gear.
Try penetrating oil or use a torch to get the nut RED HOT all the way around (takes a few minutes to heat it up properly with a propane torch) if the nut won't loosen. Should come off like butter.

 

i see. so ill probably replace one of the axles since ill have it out already. thanks for the help guys, ill post in here if i got more problems