Toyota Repair: 89 camry transmission swap, torque converter, suspension control


Question
Hi I have an 89 camry wagon with a (4cyl/auto trans/120k) shot transmission. I am going to swap the transmission with a nice used transmission from a junkyard. My question is do I have to completly remove the engine to get access to the transmission or is it possible to drop the transmisson with the engine still in the car. Also if you knew of a good service manual that may quide me through the procees of removing and installing the transmission or any personal tricks, tips, etc.. Thanks in advance, Josh.  

Answer
The transmission can be removed without removing the engine but there is not much room, you may have to remove the right side lower suspension control arm and the bracket to make enough room for it to go back far enough so it will clear the bellhousing.
Make sure that you pry the torque converter loose from the flywheel before removing the transmission, the converter has to stay in the transmission, if it stays on the flywheel you won't be able to get the transmission out.