I ALWAYS forget to jack up the engine to tilt it back. It's a real SOB to bench press the trans up and have it not get in at the right angle. My shoulders are going to be screaming at me in the am.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I grabbed one of those cheap expanding harbor freight tranny scissor jacks, the ones that have a lockable angled surface for the gearbox to sit on. Life has been sunshine and roses since

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I used my hydraulic floor jack and a ratcheting strap over the transmission. The OM603 naturally falls backward toward the firewall if the transmission is not there.

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

When lining up the input shaft into the pilot bearing I will push in the clutch to release the stress on it and that last little push is made possible into the pilot bearing. I have done this many times and it always has worked.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Almost bought one and then I tripped on one in the clearance section for 50% off. Still scored it for $35 since the cashier entered in the price wrong. Win