For the sake of future researchers, here a few notes related to my experience:
Why pull the side cover (transmission or transaxle cover)? Hard shifting and whining - both at the same time, never one without the other - to replace the pressure control solenoid.
Save steps as:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...1&postcount=11
With the following
exceptions.
1. Blow off dirt and sand from the top of the transaxle - near the connector. Prevents additional cleaning.
2. Clean off area around the axel - before removing the axel; again prevents additional cleaning.
3. Support vehicle on jack stands (both sides) and remove both wheels
4. After removing the stabilizer shaft links from both lower control arms, remove the bolts holding the stabilizer shaft (stabilizer bar) from the frame. I left the shaft in place - it could be pulled out if needed - more work.
5. Remove the heat shield over the steering gear (or rack) - 10mm.
6. Remove the 2 bolts holding steering gear to the frame - 18mm. Slide steering gear up - only needs to move 1 inch up to be free from frame.
7. Skip removing the pinch bolt at the intermediate steering shaft - too much of a pain to get at. This bolt is installed with lock-tite; no fun to remove.
8. Skip disconnecting the three-way catalytic converter pipe to the right; instead.
9. Slide the exhaust pipe hangers free from the pipe (about mid-way back on the pipe, after the catalytic converter but before the pipe connection). Saves the pain of dealing with rusty bolts.
Engine support fixtures: would be nice to own, not very useful on a Montana. Instead:
1. cut two (2) 2x4's to about 5-feet.
2. screwed together with half-inch spacers between - 3 spaces - one on each end and one in the middle.
3. Cut angle brackets - looks alike a giant door stop to level the 2x4s.
4. Place setup over the front-foward engine lift bracket.
5. Using a left-over steel spacer from a trail hitch install, eye-bolt, short chain, and a s-hook, support the engine. The engine will be lowered later.
This makes bottom side access easy and one less jack in the way.