Transmission removal

[BrwnRecluse]

Couple of dumb questions regarding my 1978 5-speed.
How many bolts hold the tranny to the engine?
Do I need to remove the sheet metal shield at the front of the bell housing?
And how the &^%$^ do I get to the top left bolt under the intake?
Thanks in advance.

[azruss]

yes, the sheet metal plate has to come off. It exposes the flywheel. once the starter is out, you have 4 bolts. 2 on top and 2 on the sides. Once you get your technique, the tops arent bad. Unbolt the tranny mount so the tranny can tilt back. This gives you a little more room. use a short 17mm socket (i think), a u-joint and 24" of extension. If you have small enough hands, you can reach up to the socket and guide it to the bolt. Do the top bolts first.

[narfire]

Yes Russ is correct. Once you have done it once or twice, not that big of a deal....easier than putting the clutch spring back onto the pedal I figure.
The starter bolts(3) are 13 mm and the top one is a bit of a pain. DISCONECT THE BATTERY!! top bolts are done as mentioned with a universal but I end up with a bit longer of an extension perhaps close to 3 feet.
Might need a pry bar to help ease the tranny from the engine to start as the shaft fits in a pilot bearing in the crank and in my experience needs a bit of help to get moving.