I've done this by myself (twice now, and with the proper tools for the most
part) and I'll be doing it again by myself shortly... having said that, I'd
recommend a helping hand if you can get it. Getting it out is not nearly the
ordeal that is getting it back in.
I did it the first time using a transmission jack attachment to the floor
jack. The second time, not having the attachment anymore, I used a
well-placed 2 x 12 cut to an appropriate length. Worked equally well but the
board didn't have the feeling of security that the jack attachment with its
chains did; you can find one fairly inexpensively at Harbor Freight, btw. I
also use a bottle jack to support the engine.
A guy named Craig Oda went through all this a little over a year ago, I
think- If you look up his threads in the archives you'll probably find all
you want to know and more. He finally got it done, but I dunno what happened
to him after that- haven't seen him post in a dog's age.

Good luck,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Collins" <wb6otg@INTREX.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 7:43 AM
Subject: Re: rebuilt auto transmission

> >how hard is it to put in?  I've no tools beyond socket set and wrenches
>>at present - should I try do-it-myself?
>
> You will need a sturdy set of jackstands and a good floor jack, and the
> correct tool for the CV bolts (some are allen, some are tri-square.
>>
>>One of the CVs needs replacing too -- is it easier to do the CV and the
>>tranny at the same time?
>
> Since the inner CVs must be disconnected from the tranny to remove it,
> yes, it's easier to do at the same time.
>
> This is certainly a viable do-it-yourself job, but you will need to be
> careful and have a helper. (I'm sure someone out there has changed an
> engine or transmission alone, with nothing but the tire changing jack and
> and a pair of vice grips, but it's not the recommended way! :-) )
>
> Bill