Help...Transmission x-change

I have never changed out a front wheel drive transmission and I want to know what I'm about to get myself into. I have a good mechanical background but this FWD thing has got me somewhat tentative. Any special tool? Why does everyone tell me to strap or block the engine? How long should it take? Most improtantly, how high do I need to lift the van, anyone done this by raising the front only? It looks to me like I might be able to drop the tranny and slide it out the front but not sure.

Thanks,

T.

here is the quick and condensed version.

Yes you can take out with only front raised. 2 feet above ground is really good. need good quality jackstands

the reason to strap and/or block engine from below is because you remove the engine mounts from below to take out tranny. basically keeps the engine from falling on you.

good tip. loosen and lower K member to give more room to take out tranny straight out. make sure that steering linkage is unbolted from K member. if you don't want to remove K member completely, only remove the driver side nuts/bolts and loosen the passenger side only.

drain tranny before you begin and place pan back on. make it cleaner.

Hope this helps. If you need more info feel free to ask.

Thank you Capoeta