On Mon, May 17, 2010 at 12:29 PM, Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
> Wes, you can use ramps no problem. �I do this all the time. �Getting a
> small transmission jack is the way to go. �I use the one with the strap
> that goes around the transmission and you can also tilt it. �I bought it
> at Harbor Freight for not much money and it works awesome! �You can
> support the engine from above with ratchet straps and a piece of 2 by 4
> straddling the engine compartment opening. �Have fun!
>

That's interesting. Didn't know transmission jacks can have straps.
Makes sense. Thought myself clever experimenting with a strap sporting
these types of hooks:

http://www.tie-down-straps.com/images/b10.jpg

around the transmission, and hooked onto my floor jack. Kinda worked,
and I'm sure a properly designed jack is much better, but if one has a
floor jack already and tight budget.....

I bolted a large socket to a piece of plywood. With floor jack cup
removed, socket fit nicely in the hole. I put wood rails on sides of
wood to help keep transmission from tipping over. I have seen another
similar DIY type platform with a wedge of wood at clutch housing end
to help align transmission for install.

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines