Couple more questions:
-Is there enough spline that I dont disconnect the drive shafts? Rear seems not to have much to work with.
-Also this strap will hold up the front of the tranny/xfer but if the bolts are out of the support the ass end will need support....do I just bring it back to get the shaft out then bolt it back to keep it hanging...then again for the install?
-Need to pull the shifters doing it like this?
-I do have a heavy tranny jack but I think having it on the jack to install would be a hindrance in moving the tranny around to align the shaft during install.

Ya know thats one of those moments when you want to kick your self in the pants.

Ok so dont take the tranny cross member off. There should be enough play in the tanny mount bushing for install. I use a jack on the bell housing of the tranny when installing it to help align and hold the tranny in place. I will tell you know its a huge help with two people and two sets of hands to go high and low. If you really really need the extra movement to align the tranny(you really shouldn't but..) than i would undo the four bolts that bolt the tranny directly to the trany mount bushing, that way the tranny is still supported but free to wiggle.

There should be no prob with the driveline or shifters if you leave the tranny x-member attached. If you do De-attach
the mount like i said it should still be ok.

Like I said Im sorry if my head is out of it, so far the estimated bill to fix the puppy is $1500 and will prolly go up so I have other things on my mind.

OK. I think I was missing the big picture. I am basically unbolting tranny from engine and leaving the tranny where it is, and pulling the engine forward from tranny input shaft... and when installing the other engine I am sliding the engine to the tranny. (not vise-versa). Correct?
Sorry to hear about the puppy. It's bad enough when they get hurt...the vet bills just add insult to injury.

Yes, you are correct. Mate the engine to the tranny. However if the tranny has ssome wigggle room, when lining up the bellhousing it may be easier to move the tranny a little, just depending. Watch yer fingers, that is a painful pinch.

One trick that makes re-joining them much much easier. I believe most of the bellhousing bolts are 17mm (m12s). get a handful of extras, and cut the heads off so you have studs that are maybe 2" long. Thread those suckers into the tranny side of the bellhousing so they stick out. You can them use them a guides to line up the engine, slip it into place, them pull each out and replace with a bolt.

After cutting them bolts....put a cut at the end of the bolt...so you can remove them with a flat head screw driver.
Mike

Slipping 2 nuts on 'em and turning the one it back works too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys. Got the bolts to use as locating 'pins' and almost ready to go...