i just used a piece of 1 1/2 steel pipe , like plumbing pipe , it was that or a 4x4 oiece of wood from pass strut tower to the lf core support, worked like a dream, also wrapped the ends in towles as not to slip or damadge paint.
craddle out is a must i do believe ,at least i took mine out.
i did it in this order
jack stands on rocker
tires off
struts out
pulled spindles all the way out (tied up calipers)
unbolted rack from frame
supported engine with pipe and straps
removed all lines and wires clipped to craddle
unbolted front mount and trans mount
lifted engine just enough to raise it off the craddle
took out l/f r/r craddle bolts
double checked for anything i missed
put another pait of stand under craddle and took remaining bolts out so the craddle would rest on other stands.
craddle out
disconnect shifter cable, wiring , and trans lines(should have done earlier , motor and trans wanted to rock around pretty good).
jack under trans pan
remove torque converter bolts
remove bell housing bolts
lowered jack and trans was out
like i said it was my first w bodt trans r&r but out in 3-4 hours with many cig breaks , in about the same , alittle quicker.
