Well, I have done a few clutch installs over the years, and I have decided that I'm too old to be bench pressing transmissions over my chest. Last time I did that, I think I pulled some muscles in my chest and nearly cracked a rib or two.

So the next time I need to drop a transmission, I'd like to use a transmission jack. There are several different types, so I'm wondering what would work best.

I already have an engine joist, a large floor jack (piece of junk, only used for lifting the car to get jack stands under it) and a smaller floor jack that is more precise, but doesn't lift as high. I usually use that smaller jack with a block of wood to put under the oil pan while the tranny is out of the car.

If there is a way to drop the tranny down with my engine hoist, I'd be open to that option, as well. I'm just not sure where I would attach the chains on the tranny case.

Here are a few that I have found at Harbor Freight:

This one is what I've been leaning towards, and looks like it would be pretty precise since it raises and lowers by using a ratchet rather than hydraulic. The saddle also tilts and it has a ratchet strap:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39178


Here's an adapter for a floor jack, but I'm not sure how precise this would be. I'm also not sure if it would work with my smaller floor jack (which would probably be under the oil pan anyway), and I don't know if I'd trust it with my larger floor jack:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39152


Those are about all I've found within my price range. What do you all think? I'm thinking the engine hoist my actually be the easiest option if I can get the chains bolted safely to the tranny case. Then I think I could pretty easily pull the case off the dowels and lower it down to the floor slowly and safely. Thoughts?

 

You could use the hoist attached to the big open bracket on the front of the trans. It won't be level, but will support the weight while you line it up from the top.

I've never liked trans jacks for manuals- just always throw it on my shoulder and muscle it in....but I've been doing that at least 2 times a week for the past 5 years

I would think the first jack would be best, if not using the cherry picker. But remember, you will need to have the car HIGH off the ground to be able to slide the trans from underneath.

 

Yeah I think I may just stick to the cherry picker. Surely there's got to be some other point I can attach the chain to besides that lift point near the release fork. I don't really like the idea of just hanging it by one point like that. I'd like to attach it in 2 places to help it get more balanced as I pull it off the flywheel and put it back on again.

 

i use the 1st one on your list, helps lots when doing tranny by yourself