Any tips on vac modulator replacement 124 V8

[bobjohnston]

I'm getting ready to decide about replacing the vac modulator on my transmission. It has been shifting a little hard and late. I tried the adjustment before getting out the Mityvac. Guess what- it won't hold vaccuum. I even crawled under the car and tested it directly on the modulator with a fresh hose. Still pretty quick leak down.

Okay, the space on these V8 124's is pretty tight next to the transmission to get that modulator out. Has anybody out there done this (on a 400e, E420, 500E, or E520) and can tell me there is enough room to get it out without dropping the trans (I hope.) Any tricks to the adjustment after the install?

Thanks in advance.