After struggling to reinstall the transmission on a clutch job on my '04 "S" I tried using a cherry picker to hoist the tranny into place. There is a loop cast into the top of the housing near the holes for the transmission mount that is not used for anything. I tried lifting it by this and the tranny hung at the perfect angle to line it up with the engine.
I started by getting the tranny close using a floor jack and then hooked it to the picker from above. Then I took the weight with the picker and moved it into alignment with no problem.
I have to believe this is the intended function of that loop but I have not been able to find any info on it.
Needless to say, I would recommend this method. I was struggling trying to do it with a floor jack and that oddly shaped transmission does not want to sit solidly. I don't think a transmission jack would work much better either because of the odd shape and limited access space below.
Just wanted to pass this on to anyone considering doing the very complicated clutch job that these cars require.

 

I love seeing unconventional solutions like this. Next I'd like to see someone use a fork lift in their auto repair.

 

I am staring a clutch job in the face, I think. Do you have any pictures of this particular operation (the tranny on the picker?)

Thanks for the tip!

 

I've not done this on the mini (haven't done a clutch job yet) but I've done something similar on other FWD cars. I used a 2x4 across the engine bay with some straps looped around the 2x4 and around the transmission. Then the trans was hoisted up and the straps hold it in place while you align it to the engine.

 

Hmm, I was thinking the same thing as I have the transmission sitting on my floor. I'm in the middle of my clutch job at the moment

 

I used a cherry picker, but I took the option of removing the engine and trans as a unit, when I did my transmission swap.

My friend restores '70's Mopars, and uses a forklift. Not sure if he does that any more, since he has his own shop now, and might not have access to one. But on those cars, the engine, transmission, and subframe were all offered up to the body of the car as a unit. He rebuilds them the same way. I forget how he does it, but I think he lifts the front of the car up with the forkift using chains, and rolls the running gear out from underneath on the front tires. It sounds pretty barbaric, but there is less risk to damaging the car this way, since a lot less time is spent wrenching around the body.

 

I'll get some photos up tonight. I also shot some video with a quick tutorial that I will put on YouTube.
A block and tackle would probably work the same way but the movable cherry picker is the best way to go. I was able to borrow one from a friend but it would be worth renting one considering the trouble you will avoid.

 

Here is a pic with the hole circled. I simply attached the last loop of a chain to it with a 3/8 bolt. It is conveniently clear of the transmission mount holes which allows you to get the mount bolted in with the chain still in place. This must be the intended use of this hole but nobody tells you that.

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-6su...ature=youtu.be
Not the best video but I hope it gets the point across

 

Picture of the whole operation

 

I used my cherry picker today to reinstall the transmission. Best idea ever! It slid on like buttah