Having a mind blank, do I need to drop the engine crossmember for removal without the box? The cars currently on stands at the front, will I need to shift the support to axel stands to allow it to drop. Looking to do this today and my mind is blank.

If the box is out then no. Only have to do it if box is in to allow sump to clear when pulling forward off of input shaft.

Easyer to get out all in one peace then split when out.but thats just me.saying that i dont want to do that again anyways. What you doing stephen

It's out. I'm swapping blocks out as the one I had in is toast. I know lots of people like to pull the trans attached but I just don't for a few reasons. Firstly the engine on it's own is an easier package to manorve across the gravel drive. Secondly the crane is rated to hold 250kg at that extension, meaning I would have to get closer to the shell, ie more disassembly. Those two things are worth the hassle of assembling the engine onto the trans in situee, which if the clutch is aligned properly isn't that bad at all imo.

Glad its out mate