shifter vs transmission

I have a 77 L-82 with a 4 speed, that I am in the process of changing the clutch. I have the shifter and transmission loose, and the transmission mount removed. The shift rods have been taken off the transmission, but are still on the shifter. My problem is that I can't take the shifter off the car, since the transmission is in the way, and I can't take the transmission out, since the shifter is in the way. Any advice?

Mike

Hey Mike,

When I swapped the clutch on "The Toy" a couple years ago I remember pulling the shifter console out and then had easy access to unbolt the shifter.

Don't know if this tip will be true for your year, but the manuals I have say to unbolt the transmission from the bell housing and drop that first, then unbolt and drop the bell housing. I tried saving a step by unbolting the bell housing first and dropping the bell housing/transmission together as a unit. After wasting a bunch of time trying to wiggle the whole thing out and deciding it just wasn't going to happen (even with all the exhaust pipes out of the way!) I finally gave into the directions and separated the two. Piece of cake after that.

Good luck!