960 Engine Swap Pull Transmission?

[jpgurley]

Hey Guys,
I have a 960 that I need to swap engines on. (There's a reason to use antifreeze in Colorado Mountains!)
The ALLDATA procedure shows that I need to pull the transmission with the engine.
I have not been under it yet to look the job over, but why not do it like a redblock 940?
Is there something about splitting the bell housing and torque converter away from the engine that cannot be done in the car?
The replacement engine on the floor of my shop shows a little room on the passenger side next to the oil pan that should allow access to the converter bolts.
So. . . any advice on the easiest way to do a swap. (Original engine still runs.)
Thanks, JPGurley

[DanR]

Yes, you can pull the engine out and leave the trans. But even the volvo books show pulling both units at once.
The top bolts for the bell housing are tough to get at but I dropped the tail mount bracket on the trans to let the engine tip down for better access, be careful of the rear of the head against the firewall, used a block of wood to prevent crushing any fittings. But you will have to take the drive shaft off on the trans end to get the tail low enough. Also swapped out the input shaft seal on the trans while it was apart. I heard that those who do this for more than a hobby or for a living take both out at once.

When loosening the converter bolts use a high quality tool, torx I believe. I had to drill one out even with an american made new tool. Was not fun. On reassembly it took a little wiggling and bumping to get the input shaft to seat correctly, that really is about it.

Let us know how it goes.

DanR '94 964 350,000 miles (116,000 on the new engine)

[jpgurley]

Thanks DanR,
It sounds to me like pulling both is the deal. If I have to pull the driveshaft, drop the tail end of the transmission then it is almost out except for connectors and shifter.
I am into doing it the easy way and that sounds like it.
JPGurley