sae10w30

I must be skipping a step or missing a tool that I need.
What backs the transmission away from the engine?

It's in neutral. I'm positive all the bolts are out (7 on the bell housing + 2 for the starter).

I'm only somewhat sure that it's level because you can't really easily tell, but it's close enough as I can wiggle it back and forth and the weight does seem to be on the transmission jack when I jack it up a bit.

If the transmission is hanging up on something, I don't see what as the shift funnel is free and the harness is loose and the starter motor is hanging down to the side.

The rear crossmember is out. The front swaybar is out.

I need a tool to get rearward force on the transmission.
If you've never done this (I haven't), you won't know what to do.
I don't.

The lower dowel on the driver side seems to be out.
The upper dowel on the passenger side seems to be almost out.

I must be skipping a step or missing a tool.

How do I back the transmission away from the engine.

(I realize this seems to be a simple question, but if the answer is just make sure it's level and then push, well, I've been doing that for an hour or more already.)

akwheeler

please edit your signature to indicate what vehicle you have, 2wd, 4wd, 4 cyl, 6 cyl, automatic, standard etc.
#1 did you remove the shifter?
#2 did you remove the driveline?
#3 did you support the back of the engine?

the only tool I have ever used was a tranny jack and a pry bar after removing all bolts/wires/controls/outputs etc. and it never should take much prying to separate them unless you are hitting the firewall with the top of the bellhousing.
If it is a stick and you have ANY kind of angle on it the transmission input shaft will not come out of the clutch disc easily.
Oh, and #4 what the heck is a shift funnel?

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

If this is a Automatic have you unbolted the Torque Converter from the Ring gear ??

Wiring harnesses all disconnected ??

Easy to forget the one bolted to the upper right side

Kolton5543

Make sure the converter is unbolted from the flex plate. It has to come out with the trans. If you don't it usually makes it difficult and it makes it super easy to ruin the trans pump. I usually tilt the engine and trans back as far as it can go and support the front of the engine with a jack. This keeps it from holding tension on everything. as long as everything is disconnected it should come back without much effort. I have been in a few case where the dowels have rusted bad enough to not let it go. Bad enough I've had to tie a ratchet strap to the back of the trans and a cross member and use it to pull it back. It looks like you have cleared the dowels completely so this shouldn't be a problem. The ratchet strap method is usually a last resort and a quick way to break something or some one if your not careful.

Co_94_PU

iTrader: (-1)

Remember that top bellhousing bolt you had about an inch inch and a half access to...

You're probably on the firewall and need more angle on the engine trans..