Transmission removal problems

[caveblazin]

Ok who here has removed a Tranny from a mid 90's lesabre. I have a 94 and after removing the driveaxles and all other stuff I find out I have to remove the subframe????? I have worked on many front wheel drive vehicles and never had to remove the subframe. Is this normal on the buicks? and is there another way to remove the tranny cause Im kinda stuck right now. I figured I would just support the engine remove the mounts and drop the tranny but now I have to get a cherry picker and pick the engine up at the same time drop the whole front subframe and then the tranny YIKES!!! There's gotta be an easier way to remove the tranny ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY appreciated. And does anyone live in GA in or around Atlanta??? Could use some assistance.
Semper Fi,

[Lasota]

Yes the subframe has to come off before the tranny will drop down and yes you will need to support the engine. I do belive the tranny shops have a brace that goes across the inner lip of the front fenders that supports the engine while the tranny is removed. I have used a chain hoist to support the engine, while doing the tranny. (fortunate enough to have a beam in the garage for this) And don't forget the one screw inbetween the tranny and engine that is screwed in from the passenger side of the car ( opposite to all the others and very difficult to find )

[Flatrater]

Take a close look the subframe may be split where only one half would need removed. Usually it splits below the AC compressor and below the steering rack. If its not split than the whole frame needs to be removed.

[shadow28]

The first tranny I did your way now I removed the whole engine than replaced the trany.

To me it's easier and faster.