Is it easier to install them as a unit or set the trans in first then the engine? Prob a bear to do it as a unit just due to the weight? I recall it was a struggle to separate the engine due to clearance with hvac on firewall

 

What are you working on? It may vary between years/models etc. Do you have a load equalizer to manage the tilt on your lifting equipment?

 

its a 66. The front clip is off. I have a cherrypicker
and an equalizer here somewhere.

 

Can't offer advice on that for a Toro, hopefully someone else will.

 

I'd install them separately. That's a lot of weight to have hanging from your crane.

 

I would agree with the separate installation unless you have a super heavy duty picker. I note your difficulty separating the pieces when removing, and I was having the same until I loosened the front engine mount from the block, letting the bottom mount studs move forward and back about an inch and a half. That gave plenty of wiggle room to get the pins and bolts to the transmission lined up easily, and it didn't take 30 minutes to drop it in place. Remember to support the transmission and axle on the front. I followed the CSM instructions, but instead of using a chain support, I used a wide come-along strap spanning the frame rails that did an excellent job. If the front clip is off, you will have very few problems.

 

What size cherry picker do you have? I've done them separate and together and there are pros/cons of each. A good cherry picker will pick up a BB engine like a BBC and a trans so you can install them as one unit. It's more of a personal preference based on your comfort level, whether you have the help necessary to guide things in place, and if you have a good cherry picker with adequate lifting capacity.