I've always dropped them both together, whether or not I'm working alone.

I find that if I use a cherry picker for the engine, and a floor-jack
for the transmission, everything goes smoothly.  (I have not used the
floor-jack, but I have to unbolt the engine first, get its weight on
the cherry picker, and then support the transmission with my one hand
while the other unbolts it. Then slide out from underneath while
lowering the trans towards the ground.)

Either way, it's a good idea to have a plastic sled (kids edition)
underneath both engine, and transmission so that you can just slide
both out when you've unbolted.

Sudhir

On 7/10/07, Greg Potts <greg@pottsfamily.ca> wrote:
> Hi John,
>
> I've had vanagon engines out before. If you're working alone, then
> please DON'T drop them both together. The weight is considerable, and
> there is potential for serious injury.
>
> If you don't need to work on the transmission, leave it where it is.
> That's my $.02.
>
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Greg Potts
> 1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato
> www.pottsfamily.ca
> www.busesofthecorn.com
>
>
>
> On 10-Jul-07, at 12:36 PM, vanagonvw wrote:
>
> > Been asking around the van lists for opinions, from folks who have
> > BTDT:
> >
> > Need to do work on the engine of my air cooled 81, but I think the
> > question applies to the water cooled as well.
> >
> > Do I want to drop the engine and trans as one piece, or do I leave the
> > trans in place, and just drop the engine?
> >
> > First time to do such a thing on a vanagon, and just want it to be as
> > trouble free as I can make it.
> >
> > The write-ups I have been directed to, talk about both, but most
> > leaven
> > the trans in place...so I am seeking wisdom.
> >
> > Thanks for sharing your experiences.
> >
> > John
>