I say drop just the engine and leave the tranny in place.

It's true that mating them up again on install is a pain, but the extra work
to unhook everything from the transmission is also a pain, and it's heavy to
lift all in together.

With a couple of guys and a couple of floor jacks getting it all back
together isn't so bad.  Just make sure that if you're pulling the clutch
plate off once the motor is out that you get one of these...

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/performance_sm/vw~clutch_alignment_tool~performance.html

Bus Depot sells the proper one for the vanagons.

Putting the engine back in if things aren't alligned right cand cause
problems.

Another tip, make sure you disconnect the wires from the back up light
switch on the side of the tranny.  Otherwise they'll tear off.  The
transmission still has to angle down a bit to pull the engine off, and the
wires are short.

Greg
1982 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: "vanagonvw" <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:36 PM
Subject: Survey says.... dropping the engine...

> 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