Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Swapping Divetrains between 98 tour GL and 98 SE

Hello,
I am swapping drivetrains between a 98 GL ztec w/auto and an SE auto. The SE is wrecked with a good engine and trans and the GL has a bad CD4E Transmission. I think I am going to drop the complete engine, transmission, and suspension with the cradle. I have plenty of tools and indoor workspace. Does anyone have any helpful hints for removing the engine and trans this way? I know some people on this forum have done it this way. Thanks for your help in advance. Sorry for the fuzzy pics. I will try to take better pics as I go along.

out the top with the swap if you don't have a lift & good support for the weight of the combo. If you have all that equipment & proper support, out the bottom would be ideal as you won't have to tear appart as much hardware. Be sure both engines are equipped with VCT.

You also have a PM from me....

Make sure the cradle is straight, unless you are not going to use it in the good car. I wonder if it's crooked due to damages. Just a though, good luck with the hopefully direct swap.

I am going to use all the mounts and cradle from the non wrecked car. If anyone has dropped the entire engine and transmission through the bottom I would apprecaited some helpful hints. Thanks