engine support with the crossmember removed

[David Pertuz]

Hello OGs,

I'm finally moving along with the task list on my SE-R and had a question.
Number one on the list is replacing the rod bearings. I've removed the
lower oil pan and loosened the upper pan bolts and crossmember bolts
(unfortunately - d'oh! - one crossmember bolt snapped off, so I will have
to drill it out.) and this weekend I will remove the crossmember and remove
the upper oil pan and the baffling so that I can get to the bearing caps.

I've assumed that it is really best to support the driveline when the
crossmember is out rather than let it hang there on the front and
transmission mounts. But is it necessary? I have to rig up a stable support
under the trans housing and all of this is rather in the way when I'm under
the car, so there is a certain upside to not doing it. On the other hand, I
don't want to overstress the mounts, which are good.

On a related question, I've thought about pulling the whole engine/trans
unit, which would make it a lot kinder to do the bearings (standing up
rather than lying on my back) and would also let me do other stuff like
reseal the front cover (if needed, but might as well if it's out) and
replace any hard-to-get-at rubber that may be over-aged on the back side of
the motor. I haven't done this since it is a lot more work and I would have
to buy/beg/borrow/steal a hoist and engine stand, neither of which I have.
That is not all bad - I may have to eventually pull the engine on my Fiat,
too - but it's additional expense and more stuff, taking up more space. But
if any of you did an engine-in bearing job and wished you'd done it the
other way, I'd like to hear it.

I drove my SE-R home from the dealer on May 18th, 1993, so its 20th
birthday passed last weekend. I can't believe I've had that car for 20
years! I wanted to have it running again by then, and while that didn't
happen mid-summer ought to.

David
Chicago

P.S. Any of you going to the convention? Greg brought it to my mind
yesterday.
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