[cadillac_al]

I'm sure there may be differing opinions on this. I have pulled a couple Buick engines without the transmission and I'm not sure if it's easier with or without the trans. However, I always told myself that if I had to change the transmission I would take it out WITH the engine rather than try to take it out by itself. Some people have taken out the trans by itself but they also reported that it was quite difficult and never any fun. I would use the same procedure on a Caddy 4.9 that I use on the Buicks. I would take the engine and trans out together. I would also replace the waterpump and timing cover while the engine was out.

I have to remove my engine this summer to replace exhaust manifold studs. It could be done on a lift but I don't have one and every shop I took it to was scared of it and wanted to quote me 10 hours labor. I may try to rent a bay this summer if I can. I mention this because you might want to make certain your exhaust manifolds are leak free if you do take the engine out.