Is it possible?

I'm getting ready to do my first engine swap on a 1975 CJ5. Can you do a V8 swap without removing the manual trans, or is it easier to remove it? It seems like clutch alignment might be a chore even with an alignment tool...

 

You can leave the trans and transfer case in the chassis, or yank it with the engine. Your choice.

Personally I think it's easier to take everything out as a unit.

 

I'm about half way through a 360 swap myself, my advice to you is to leave the trans in. Although it was pretty hard to get the input shaft to line up after about a half hour of shoving and cussing I got it on. This is probably much easier than removing the front clip and balancing the whole assembly on a hoist. At that point it's probably just easier to remove the whole tub....

 

The Front clip is actually very easy to remove. And if you are doing an engine swap the odds are you need to do it anyway. I say pull the whole thing as a unit and put it back in as a unit. I have done it both ways and pulling the whole thing is the easier of the 2 options.

 

I agree and have also done it. Pull the front clip and take it all out as a unit. Much easier

 

It only takes me a 1/2 hour to pull the 401 out of my 72. I leave the trany in and the front clip on. I don't see how pulling everything as a unit is easier. You have to remove the clip, unbolt the skidplate, drop the drivelines, remove speedo cable, remove shifters, ect ect. Along with all the other things you have to do anyway, hoses, wires and such. I unbolt the motor mounts and take out the bellhousing bolts and I'm done.

 

Leave the tranny in. That way you can have the tranny sitting right where it is going to be when you choose how to do the motor mounts.

 

take out as unit
the crossmember will most likely have to be moved due to the different length of the engine/ trans combination anyway.

 

I'm replacing AMC 304 with AMC 401, lol.

 

I guarantee you'll lose some sh*t and be frustrated as hell if you start doing more than you absolutely have to...Ask me how I know. I tried to keep real good track and keep everything organized to no avail...Ended up like 3 bolts short...It's real fun to try and figure out what length bolt you need too, AFAIK there's no list for 'em. Unless Tim has been holdin out on me haha

 

well, your choice then.