Looking for Tip on AOS removal with Trans out

Hey Guys, I've pulled my transmission for a rebuild and I'm doing all the "while you're in there" PM work. So, IMSB, RMS and maybe AOS. With the trans removed I can clearly see the AOS but all of my searches have yielded little results in if the AOS job is any easier with the trans out. I've read the pelican guide and Ahsai's great DIY but not much is mentioned about doing this with the trans out. The car is 996.2 3.6.

Lower the engine to the bottom of the motor mounts. I just did this a few months ago...

Thanks Bill. I'll update this thread as I do it. My goal is do everything from behind without removing the intake but that seems likely just as difficult or not possible.

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For me, having the trans in place was not the hindrance...

I did this. It is still a PIA job but it can be done. That one bolt is still trouble. Though I haven't tried to do it from the intake manifold side, I think I would prefer the trans out approach as I don't like to remove any more parts than necessary.

I did my oil cooler a few days ago and had my 2nd plenum out and I could reach and see my AOS - wonder if you could get to it without needing to take the left manifold off

Bringing back this slightly dead thread. I have my transmission out right now and it looks possible to get the AOS out that way. Any chance Pulx30 is around and can confirm it worked? Rockhouse66, it sounds like you made it happen?

I didn't actually do it. After I pulled the trans I need to pull the engine for some additional work, so I replaced it with the engine out. I was told that the key is a 1/4" drive 10mm swivel socket to get the two 10mm bolts that hold the AOS to the engine.

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Thanks for replying. I took another look at it yesterday as I pulled the flywheel off and it does look like there is quite a bit of room. I will attempt it this coming weekend and report back.

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That was the first job I tackled on my 2003 C2 after I bought it in March 2020. AOS, RMS, IMS Solution, Clutch and Flywheel. Yes, it was not difficult to replace the AOS with transmission down. I did not remove the rear engine mounts, nor loosen them. I did tilt the engine down on the flywheel end. I installed one of Skip's sealed AOS units and his complete UAOS system as well. -Tom

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I've got my trans out also, working on the IMSB, etc. and will try removing my apparently original AOS in the next couple of days. Another thing to check is the Oil Cooler o-rings (about $5). I found mine slightly leaking coolant, just enough to form a dry crust. Getting the cooler off was fairly easy with a 1/4" hinged stubby and using a mirror to see for cleaning but be careful not to drop anything in those openings .

As a few others have confirmed, removing the AOS with the tranny out is pretty simple. I think lowering the flywheel end a bit is a must. I also wasted a fair bit of time trying to remove the top coolant line from the AOS until I finally crawled out from under the car to check where that line went. It is super easy to remove from the other end of the line, so I left it connected at the AOS and pulled the whole line out. I will check my oil cooler for leaks. Thanks DSC800.

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Thanks for the update. After seeing you got it out I got mine out today, but what a knuckle buster. Those clamps were tough and awkward to get to but good advice on keeping the top hose connected. Also, I had to use a pry bar to budge the engine sideways a few mm to get the AOS out, this after lowering the engine mounts and the flywheel side as much as I felt comfortable with. New AOS is due mid-week. I hate replacing good parts so I'm drawing a line - I will NOT be replacing the starter.