Will the tranny get hurt if I lower 996 engine 2-3 inches?

[james58]

I am in the middle of changing out my coolant tank in my 996 2000 C4 Cab. Iyt seems that I have a choice of removing a couple of fuel lines or lower the engine 2"-3". Which is easier?

 

Do I need to lower the tranny too?I just don't understand how I can lower the engine but the tranny stays in place. I just want to avoid spilled gasoline. Any info will be appreciated.

[creekman]

I'm not how sure this applies to your situation, but I have lowered my LS3 motor, but I remove the upper mounting bolt of the two 12mm (?) bolts that are at the forward transmission mount.  Then the whole assembly can pivot on the remaining bolt.  Otherwise you'll torque the rubber mount...

[Dharn55]

No, you can lower the motor a few inches without damaging the trans. I did it a couple of weeks ago when I removed my coolant tank to test It for leaks. A controlling factor is the cross brace on the rear suspension. Once the engine goes down a few inches the engine/trans hits this and not go down any further. Take it slow to check for any tight wires and hoses. You will probably need to disconnect the fuel houses anyway as it is relly tight and the fuel filter that mounts on the coolant tank has to come out. Also the secondary air pump. You have to lower the engine as the tank will hit the intake runners with the engine in plce.

Good luck.

[james58]

OK thanks for the info.

 

Well, I managed to get the old coolant tank out by removing the fuel filter and a couple of fuel lines (along with the air pump). I wigggled it for about half an hour! I did not lower the engine.

 

The new coolant tank seems to be very slightly different but at first try it won't go in. I may have to lower the engine after all.

Well more work tomorrow.

[james58]

@Dharn55

 

I have read a lot about lowering the engine but I need one more clarification. I "drove up" the car on rubber ramps and gained 8"-10" of clearance so that I can work underneath the car.

 

Do I still need to support the vehicle with jack stands? Or I can lower the engine (unscrew mount nuts) while the car rests on its tires.

That's my confusing point right now.

 

Any info will be appreciated.

[JFP in PA]

@Dharn55

 

I have read a lot about lowering the engine but I need one more clarification. I "drove up" the car on rubber ramps and gained 8"-10" of clearance so that I can work underneath the car.

 

Do I still need to support the vehicle with jack stands? Or I can lower the engine (unscrew mount nuts) while the car rests on its tires.

That's my confusing point right now.

 

Any info will be appreciated.

 

I've lowered more than a few engines to gain access, but I always did it on a lift with the engine supported by a separate screw jack stand and bolt on bracket for the purpose.

 

Problem you face with trying to do this on ramps is that the trans is going to try and rotate around the center line of the axles while the engine is going down, so the trans has to be in neutral and the rear wheels chocked on the ramps to prevent any chance of the car trying to move as the engine lowers.

[james58]

@JFP

 

Now I am more scared and confused. So if I push the car off the ramps there wll be no problem of the tranny rotating as long as the car is sitting flat? While only the ramps there is this risk of the tranny rotating and moving the car forward?

[JFP in PA]

@JFP

 

Now I am more scared and confused. So if I push the car off the ramps there wll be no problem of the tranny rotating as long as the car is sitting flat? While only the ramps there is this risk of the tranny rotating and moving the car forward?

 

You will be fine on the ramps, as long as the trans is out of gear and the wheels are chocked so the car cannot move.  These are simple safety precautions, not a reason to be afraid.