Engine Removal

[n_i_c_k]

I have removed engines before, but strictly on RWD vehicles. However, I have never removed an engine form a FWD vehicle. What I am wondering is; what is the best way to remove the engine form my 97 caravan? It is a 3.3L V6. I want to avoid pulling the transmission with the engine, but I don't know if the transmission is supported by the engine. I am also wondering if it should be dropped from the engine compartment or hoist it out? I am a little inexperienced in this subject matter so any and all advice would be great.

[turbinemech]

The transmission has two mounts, but needs to be supported if you remove the engine. The cowl is removable on these vans. Remove the wiper arms and cowl cover, there are about 8-9 bolts and nuts holding it on. This will give you clearance to remove the engine out the top. I would also remove the radiator fans.

[acton mike]

I would pull the rad too; especially iof thereis some inexperience; in thatway you won't punch a hole through the rad

that of course entails disconnecting and capping off the ransmission lines that feed the transmission cooler and dealing with the a/c condenserer

I presuje the engine is baffed - otherwise why would you be pulling it out

yopu can support the transmission from underneath with blocks of wood etc when you are pulling out the engine; after it is out I would make up, with some stout metal stock and some chains, a support to go across the shock towers and inner fenders to basically hang the transmission

[acton mike]

please ignore my last post;I lost my train of thought and realized that I was typing jibberish - then I promptly hit the wrong key and posted same jibberish

[n_i_c_k]

thanks for your help. should be smooth sailing from here.