I had to do my clutch and I just pulled it, not the 2 together. If I did it again I would probably pull them both as the only difference was a couple wires and hoses. I could have got to the bolts quicker and easier and I think that would have more than made up the time. For me I could bench the trans with my right arm and twist it with my left as I had to rotate IIRC diff side up a bit and then slide it in. Getting all the bolts in the trans on the ground was the hard part for me...if I had a lift and could walk under the car, then yes, I would pull just the trans everytime. Working in the driveway, I will probably pull both. Being bigger and stronger helps in lifting the trans, but not so much getting the bolts everywhere they need to be on your back on the ground.
im probably one of the biggest, and strongest here, and i still do it the easy method..
gotta remember, us big/tall guys usually have back issues that we have to watch out for..
sure, lifting a trans isnt fun, but neither is bench pressing it. believe it or not, the only times i messed up my back on a trans job, was using the bench press, because i had to struggle..
its literally a cake walk to set the trans under the car, reach down thru the engine bay, and lift it on to the engine.. its easier pulling it on from above, then pushing it on from below.. dunno wether its the increased grip on the trans, grip in better places, but whatever it is, i only drop 020 trannies in the method i described..
and the way i do it, is way quicker than lifting the whole engine/trans as a unit.. i dont have time to drain the coolant, disconnect all the hoses, un hook all the wires, fuel lines, yadda yadda..
ill leave the engine in, unless i have a GOOD reason to pull it..
almost every time i pull them as one piece, i seem to mess something up..
