[DanEC]

While true that with a tunnel housing removed there is great access for installing the transmission separately from the engine - handling that 100 lb toploader across the door sill and floor into position is a real back breaker and finger crusher unless you're a 280 lb weghtlifter. Plus it is goes up under the dash cowl a ways so simply hanging it from a hoist will not get it forward enough to completely install into position. I had to use some steel as a lifting beam and strap it to the top of the transmission, pick it up with a single chain drop and hold down on the tail to counterbalance it while it was slid up under the dash cowl and into place.

Maybe some others have found easier ways to do this. I would at least get some 4 or 5 inch long dowels to thread into the top bell housing holes to hook the trans on and help guide it into the bellhousing.