I normally remove two rear cross member bolts and replace them with all
threaded bolts about four inches long and drop the rear most part of the
engine about 4 inches. I then use a floor jack to let the engine front
(flywheel end) drop as far as it will go and that in most cases is about
eight inches. This normally gets the angle of the tranny alignment low
enough to clear the tranny front cross member and slide the tranny home.
Be sure the alignment is very close or you can damage the pilot needle
bearing while stabbing the tranny.
If you haven't aligned the pilot shaft with an old spline or alignment
tool for clutch centering you will need to loosen the clutch cover plate
to get alignment near perfect.
If you engine has a lot of miles it is a great time to replace the front
main seal, O ring in the flywheel , felt seal in the flywheel and service
all CVs, replace the boots and lubricate the throw out shaft bearing
surfaces. You can also replace the starter shaft pilot bushing in the
tranny easily when the tranny is out.

Stan Wilder
83 Westfalia Air Cooled

On Mon, 17 Sep 2001 20:40:09 -0400 Dave Collins
<d.r.collins@SYMPATICO.CA> writes:
> OK what is the secret. Is there an easy way to install a tranny, with
> the engine still in the van? I have been rolling around in my
> driveway for two nights now and the closest I have gotten is lining
> up one lower bolt.  ARRRGH!   I am working with two jacks, four
> 2x4's a snowmobile dolly, a big head, and a patient wife.  Any
> assistance would be appreciated
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave

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