My 54 is a true Heinz 57 so I don't know the year of this transmission--diff is a 51. Following the instructions in the shop manual I have slid the drive shaft yoke back as far as I can, and it now rests on the transmission case. Note--the bell is back as far as it will go. My sense is that using a pry bar I can slide the yoke back farther allowing the torque tube to drop. (It is supported so the drop will be short and controlled). Am I correct? Unrelated, but note the guide pin at the top of the transmission is a 4" bolt. Is that long enough?
Are you supporting the vehicle by the axle tubes or the frame rails? Placing jack stands under the frame allows the springs to relax and increase the distance the housing moves back. If you support the vehicle weight on the axle housing tubes, there will be a considerable amount of down force on the torque tube. Always relax the spring pressure by letting the axle housing hang free. Guide pins are a lot more critical during reinstallation, not transmission removal, to keep the throwout bearing snout on the bearing retainer from being damaged by the weight of the transmission. Jerry
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Looks like what I just did recently. I put a Tie-Down around the torque tube. Yes, once you unbolt the U-Joint use a pry bar to slide the yoke into the tube. Just enough to get it out of rear transmission lifting up I believe.
Did you try and Push up on Tube? Looks like you are about there. Then slide the yoke up & out? I did not use Pins so I can't comment on that. I pulled the transmission out and then put it back in without any guide pins. Todd
