when you do a complete 'tranny job'...

[UncleSpot]

what do you guys use for an "engine stand" to do the work and provide a good "working platform"?

I just got an '80LG and the tranny has major issues, so I'm going to replace all seals, gaskets, and anything that's worn.

...and since I'm working on that section I'll be replacing the cluthch plates (etc)

TIA,
Ron (UncleSpot)

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Ron,

Unless you are splitting the cases and pulling the engine, I used the FRAME, just turned the bike upside down! Makes working on the shift forks and such much easier!

But when I rebuilt my 81SH, I pulled the engine for the topend and piston work, just put it on a work bench, no holder needed, the engine was plenty heavy enough to sit still! I just used the engine and drivetrain in place first to get the main clutch nut loose before I pulled the engine!
T.C.

[UncleSpot]

"I used the FRAME, just turned the bike upside down! Makes working on the shift forks and such much easier! "

Hey TopCat,
ya got photos of THAT?!?
I'd love to see it.

...but, seriously, how difficult is it to 'flip' the bike upside down to do this? I assume this was torn down to just the frame - no wheels, forks, etc... that would solve the problem of having several people to help pull the engine. What did you use? hoist/block'n'tackle?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Spot,
I thought those photos were part of the Dremmel Fix tech tip? All I did was remove the handlebar controls, mirrors, and side covers, drained the middle and rear gears, the clutch cover was already off along with the shift cover, tank, seat, but kept the wheels and tires on!! I layed it down on it's side, then used a long 2x4 as a lever for the SWMBO to lift with as I steadied the front end to keep the forks from turning, but was a bit tricky. A hoist or several buddies would make it easier on you, and SWMBO. Had old carpet on garage floor also. And had some blocks to put under the frame once it was upside down to take the pressure off of the gauge cluster and handlebars!
T.C.

This was an XJ, but it had Standard bars on it!?

[superdave]

tranny job

my buddy who is a mechanic came to my house and we did it right on the lift. replaced all gears shift forks drum and bearings in about 2 hrs no flipping or invirting the bike. but he is a good friend and a yoda like mechanic. ps. you need a few long screwdrivers to hold things into place. good luck.

[UncleSpot]

TopCat,
THIS is suppose to easier than pulling the motor??
How did you ever flip it up on the car ramp? How did you balance it? *THIS* was a stable-enough platform to work on the tranny without fear of the bike falling over?

I think I'd rather do this with a hoist and 4 strong BIG dudes...

[GNEPIG]

.. the last time i did the trans fix i took the rear fender and the back wheel off and stood the bike up on its end.. the women and i did that one by ourselves it wasnt too hard, had to put a peice of 2 by 4 under the right side swing arm.. made working on the trans real easy.. had to get a buddy to help put it back down
.. it looked pretty cool standing up like that it looked like a big marlin hanging from a hook, i made the women stand next to it with a fishing pole to get her picture taken
. computer crashed last year lost the pictures.. should have taken the pictures with the real camera

[TopCatGr58]

Hey UncleSpot,

The car ramp was added after the bike was upside down, I just didn't want to leave the pressure on the handlebars, and so was able to raise the front....the rear had hard points on the ends of the seat rail....was XJ, just removed the plastic part, the frame has 2 rails there in the front, and the ramp was flat on that part, just put a large 2x4 and then a thinner 1/2 x 12 or something to allow it to reach the frame....was very solidly balanced!!
T.C.