Splitting a Manual Transmission open?

[Nicholas R]

I need to open up this transmission to get to the coupler as I want to replace it with Toby's.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314923_10100175831249775_21412543_45127591_1314796 063_n.jpg

The bellhousing is already removed; from this point, what's the best way to open it? The last thing I want is to try to take it apart and have parts explode all over the place.

Looks like the rear cover has to come off next, then lay it on its side and remove all the bolts holding it together. Is there anything else special to do to keep things in place? Is it better to lie it on its right side or left side (relative to the orientation of the picture^)


Also on a side note, as far as the clutch input shaft; on the DMCH website here:
http://www.delorean.com/store/c-288-4-1-2-gears.aspx
It lists 2 different parts as the clutch input shaft (item 14); It shows this:
http://www.delorean.com/store/images/PRODUCT/medium/103071.JPG
and This:
http://www.delorean.com/store/images/PRODUCT/medium/109604.jpg

Whats the story on this? I feel like I'm only familiar with the first one.

Thanks for the help,

-Nick-

[Delorean Industries]

Follow the shop manual procedure. You will need to completely disassemble the unit to installed the coupler.

[A Van]

Different input shafts, for different spline clutches, some early cars had the 10 spline

[David T]

Not only must you remove all of the nuts and bolts all around the perimeter you CANNOT forget the two BIG studs that go through the middle and the end cover. Best to do it while the transmission is on it's side so all of the parts don't tumble out as you split the case. Be prepared for more oil to spill out too.
David Teitelbaum

[Nicholas R]

I got it apart, everything looks good :D. I got the coupler off of the transmission shaft, but I cannot for the life of me get it off of the clutch shaft. I want to replace it with Toby's "bullitproof" coupler but if I cant get it off the clutch shaft I'm not sure how. I'm not against buying another clutch shaft but if they're all pressed on this hard into the coupler I'm not sure it will help. Maybe it's just mine. I've heated it, used penetrating lube, and I cannot even get it to budge.

Also does the early input shaft work on all transmissions? Any idea what the early clutch shaft spline pattern is? I know the late one is 15/16"-21 spline.

[DMCMW Dave]

They are not all pressed on that hard. But most are. It will come off.

I think one of my tricks was to toss the whole thing in the freezer, then heat the coupler, then set it in a vice hanging by the coupler and go after it with a fat punch or even an impact hammer aka flat-nosed air chisel.


PS why do you think you need a new coupler?

[DMC5180]

Are you doing this for a friend? I thought you had an Automatic in your car.

Why you have things open, this would be a good time to install the double roll-pin for 2nd gear. It's the one that slides into the Notch in the fork. Cheap insurance against a possible future failure. Also make sure the sliding hubs engage and disengage soothly.
I've seen gears that were difficult to shift into or out of because of wear burrs. This is different than typical wear on the points of the teeth.