Can you install engine with trans already attached?

[DestinDeath]

So I have a 2001 Ford ranger XLT 3.0 4x2 and I had trans problems ended up taking the expensive learning route and well I know a fair amount about the 5R55E now let’s say ....but my main thing was I kind of just wanted to pull the engine out since the trans is already off, trace all the connections and sleeve them in red or orange wrap and coat the engine bay in a undecided color but I was just curious if I could just attach the trans to the engine while it’s out to avoid the hard to reach few bolts on bell housing and torque converter/ flywheel and install them already attached? I know this main seem like a obvious or silly question but I don’t know the answer haha.

 

[Curious Hound]

Every time this comes up, there seems to be a greater number of experienced people saying “it’s much easier to install them separately.”

 

[Dirtman]

You can do anything if you truly believe in yourself.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

In my experiance with TIB/TTB

2wd would be a negatory.

4wd with a bodylift, snug but can be done. Trans will bleed like a stuck hog all over the place on the way out without the t-case though.

The radius arm crossmember and the firewall limit what you can do. You do not have a radius arm crossmember so I am not 110% for sure, you may have some other sort of crossmember though.

 

[racsan]

I would only try it if the cab was off.

 

[Shadowrider6661]

If you're ambitious, you could remove the radiator support.

 

[gaz]

DestinDeath,

Having done it both ways (with the radiator removed), I prefer to pull both at the same time (with or without a body lift) but just the tranny is much less overall work. Reconnecting the transmission under the vehicle set off my temper WaY too fast and way too frequent.

If you do pull them together, drain the engine, transmission and transfer cases 1st.

 

[dvdswan]

Anything can be done once. Once. Any other time is up to you if you want to enjoy the pain again.

 

[fastpakr]

I pulled the 3.0/4R combo out as a unit on my '99 4x4, and installed the 5.0/4R70W the same way. That said - I did leave a beauty mark on the core support when putting the V8 back in. It was a very tight squeeze trying to angle everything down in there as a unit.

 

[RonD]

It certainly can be done, need 3 people, IMO, one on the lift, one in engine bay and one underneath
Yes, if automatic, drain fluid and put pan back on, remove transfer case if 4x4
Remove radiator and accessories/brackets, of course, water pump as well, Crank pulley is judgement call but I would remove it

Hood is off, of course, put some plywood over windshield, I broke one once when trans swung back after it was out

Be prepared to remove front wheels and lower the front end to get clearance over rad support, front comes up quite a bit with engine and trans weight removed

 

[DestinDeath]

Thanks for everyone taking the time to share there input and experience, I guess I didn’t do a really good job explaining myself haha, my transmission is already off, so because I wanted to do some things in the engine bay I just figured with no trans it would take hardly any time to just pull the engine out? But from what I have concurred from the comments is it might be a lot more work trying to put them back In as a unit and because I’m taking them out separate there’s not even a 100% chance it will go back in lol?

 

[DestinDeath]

And also I have only myself so it also sounds like there would be no way for me to angel it in correctly even if it would fit.

 

[pjtoledo]

depends on your tools. doing it alone you will get a lot of exercise going from top to bottom.

if you're using a chain fall you can control lowering it from below if the hand chain droops OK.

with a load leveler you can adjust the angle the engine hangs at.

Power Torque Tools 1500 Lbs. Load Leveler PT34134 | O'Reilly Auto Parts