I've got to help my brother in-law replace the engine on his 2005 Element. Ideally, I know it comes out the bottom, but neither of us have a lift.

A quick search lead me to an Element forum where someone has lifted the front of the vehicle high enough with an engine hoist to roll the engine and trans out on a furniture dolly. Looks a little sketchy.

A few Youtube videos depict the front bodywork, rad support, radiator and AC condensor removed, then the engine and trans coming out the top/front. It's clearly very, very tight.

I'm wondering if the engine and trans can be separated in the car, then have the tranny shoved far enough away from the motor to unbolt the torque converter from the flex plate. I've changed a J series clutch using this method. Do you think I can get the tranny far enough over with the subframe still installed to give us enough room to lift just the engine out?

If you can share any advice or input based on your experience, it would be much appreciated.

 

Bottom for sure if you can. Steering rack is on the firewall making this a really fast removal.

Can have the engine on the ground in about an hour if you have a lift and hydraulic powertrain table.