It is not easy to drop the engine and tranny from the bottom. That procedure was written for shops with a lift. You have to drop the U-frame and rack and are asking for trouble. Take it through the top with an engine lift, you�ll thank me later.
You should have the Valve Body on the 97 updated with the shift kit or the Bypass and regulator valves replaced with Sonax designed valves. Also like I said, replace or TC.
jeff
