1966 Sm. Blk. eng. / trans removal question

[Don Bruhn]

I have recently started a partial restoration project on my new/old 66 roadster.
I am fairly new to this hobby / obsession so please forgive me if the terminology or descriptions are not proper or confusing. The front suspension, upper and lower A-arms, front car support, and radiator have been removed and now it’s time for the engine and transmission to come out. My plan is to remove these together as a unit as is suggested in the 66 chassis service manual. My question is; what components of shift linkage must be removed to gain enough clearance for the assy. to be removed. Will removal of the shift lever assy. be adequate or does the entire linkage assy. have to be disconnected?

[Mike M.]

Re: 1966 Sm. Blk. eng. / trans removal question

Remove the entire shifter as you'll want to disassemble,clean and evaulate for any worn shifter parts. parts were still avalable from chevy as recently as a couple years ago. Nothing worse than noisy shifter. mike

[Don Bruhn]

Re: 1966 Sm. Blk. eng. / trans removal question

Thank you for your quick response mike. Does the shifter assy. have to be disconnected prior to removal and if so is there a preferred procedure?

[Mike M.]

Re: 1966 Sm. Blk. eng. / trans removal question

Don: shifter has to be removed at its attachment points to the tranny . i guess you could leave the shifter attached to the shifter mounting bracket but i'd remove shifter and bracket before pulling engine/tranny.YTa probably have to seperate the shifter from the mounting bracket before bringing the shifter down and out. mike

[Bill C.]

Re: 1966 Sm. Blk. eng. / trans removal question

Don,
Do not forget to leave the driveshaft yoke or a cap [ available at most speed shops] in place at the end of the trans or you will very quickly have gear oil running out everywhere! It will stink forever!