Can I remove the bellhousing without pulling the engine?

[dakota]

I have a new-to-me 70 Challenger with a 340-4 bbl and A-833 4 speed.   Once the weather gets a little warmer, my first work on the car will be to drop the transmission out to change a bad clutch throwout bearing.   Once the transmission is out, is it possible to reach all of the bolts holding the bellhousing in place?  I'd like to get a peak at the clutch disc and flywheel and replace them too if need be. I'm not planning to pull the engine until next year unless it gives me a reason to yank it earlier.

[anlauto]

Yes, it's fairly easy with a ratchet and long extension, or a couple from up top with a ratchet wrench

[CudamanTom]

Yes, it's fairly easy with a ratchet and long extension, or a couple from up top with a ratchet wrench

Alan is absolutly correct. Pretty easy to get to all the bolts.

[HP_Cuda]

A lift would be pretty useful here, I really don't envy what you are trying to do.

 

[dakota]

Thanks much for the quick replies and guidance.

HP_Cuda - I have a transmission jack (small scissors lift) to help, but having done this before on a project Camaro I know it will be a pain.   I take strange satisfaction doing this kind of stuff myself.   I learned the hard way that I suck at body work, but I'm hoping the remaining mechanical work will be something I can handle.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/Smileys/default/working.gif

[anlauto]

A lift would be pretty useful here, I really don't envy what you are trying to do.

 

I never had the enjoyment of a lift...Done all my restorations laying on my back

[cktasto]

Yes, it's fairly easy with a ratchet and long extension, or a couple from up top with a ratchet wrench

Agreed.
just did this with my buddies 66' charger... I believe they're similiar. need to prop up the motor after the transmission support is removed  and have a swivel for the socket when going after the bolts on top.
good time to check the alignment of the clutch housing as well

[dakota]

Thanks for the suggestion on checking the housing alignment.   I was about to ask how to do the check, but I found a thread elsewhere
(http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=97287.msg955932#msg955932) that explains how.   

It's a little scary to think how a gearhead wanna-be like me could find help without something like this website or YouTube.   Got a disc brake rotor that you can't break free of the bearing hub when doing a brake job?  No problem - there's a clip for that.   Table saw motor quit running and trying to avoid dropping $400 for a new Sears "DEEELux" motor?  No problem - here's a clip to show you how to check your capacitors and figure out which one is cooked (a $10 part).   Need to align a clutch housing?  No problemo - here's how.

Life is good.  http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/Smileys/default/bigsmile.gif

[cktasto]

I couldnt agree more! the internet is awesome for do it yourselfers and hobbiest.

[HP_Cuda]

I have done crazier repairs but that was in my youth!

Thanks much for the quick replies and guidance.

HP_Cuda - I have a transmission jack (small scissors lift) to help, but having done this before on a project Camaro I know it will be a pain.   I take strange satisfaction doing this kind of stuff myself.   I learned the hard way that I suck at body work, but I'm hoping the remaining mechanical work will be something I can handle.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/Smileys/default/working.gif

[dpcd67]

You are right to replace the clutch whilst you have the tranny off. I use wheel ramps, which gives me another foot of clearance; I feel safer than when the car is supported on jack stands while I am under it.