Nice work...everything is on the table with my problem. I'm glad it worked for you.

 

clutch looks brand new!!!
Get some PB blaster for the rusted hardware.

I know on the 90's OJ bronco my mentor use to have us take the shifter off at the 2 rusted bolts that attach to the trans & then pry off that 1 arm in the rubber Gromit at the T case.

But from what im seeing, seems like it makes more sense to just try to remove just the top bolt where the shift lever goes into the apparatus....

Freaking looking at it, might make more sense leaving the tranmission in & tow the entire rig to him & let them do it in the vehicle.
This seems like alot of work!!!


Get a long metal rod or a sturdt broom handle & lay it accross the frame in front of the transmission.
Install 2 drift punches or screw drivers in the middle left & right transmission bolt holes & rest them on the broom handle.
So the transmission stays in its normal resting nuetral position.

If the plan on doing the weld a nut trick on it, they can do it just as easy in the vehicle, they dont need it on a bench.
Think they would understand.

 

90's OJ bronco !!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!

I'm gonna still try to get the tranny out myself, but It's not gonna take much for me to stop. If I break another bolt I'll throw up, but I am leaning hard like you said toward just towing it there and letting them mess with it. $205 to have it towed there and back. What do you think about that Lisle clutch tool. I've used Lisle tools before and never had a problem.

 

I havent used one, just looks chinsy to me, doesnt mean it wont work.
Like I said, lube the plastic collar that you need to push in.

I kind of marked the shoulder that can easily be damaged, its thin soft aluminum I think.
If you damage this shoulder which is what the tool pushes on in order to work, the tool will be worthless.

The tool I suggested is more stout, longer...
Im not saying go out & buy it since you already have the other one.
Im saying be cautious.

 

one of the newer techs that started doing line work like me once upon a time was strugling getting the line off & came & grabbed me cuz he was flopping.
I went over there & asked if he had the tool....
He handed me the Lisle...

I walked away & went & grabbed mine....

Just didnt like the look of it, may work fine but its short.
Need to overcome range pressure, hydraulic pressure, theres alot going on...

In my younger years as I was learning I boogered up a few shoulders, Im very aware how easy it can happen & how fuscked you are if you do,

 

Another option is sign-up for AAA tow insurance / roadside assitance policy, $65 for the year.
Thst will cover your tow both directions.