I tried to pull my trans last weekend, until I realized it wasn't coming off due to the TOB clip. I was beating the f#@% out of the trans trying to get it separated. I've done several dsm trans, and never knew about this clip. I saw the following how-to:
http://www.evomoto.com/tech_articles..._article_id=27

My question is - does the trans need to be bolted to the engine to unclip this?



With the trans haning off, my fork is stuck in the A position, and I can't budge it!



When I try to pry a screwdriver between the wedge collar and TOB, it will not budge, no matter how much twisting force I apply. I don't quite understand how this clip is holding the TOB in.

 

If the screwdriver doesnt work, you may have to go route b which is unbolting each pressure plate bolt individually through the service hole. Just keep rotating the crank and undoing each. Then pull the tranny with the pressure plate still clipped to the tob.

 

Its alot easier to get it unclipped with it still bolted up. Its probably still "possible" to get it unclipped while its unbolted but its probably going to be a royal PITA

 

line the transmission back up and put few of the longer bolts back in, and than close the transmission back up against the block and separate just small space. pry it as your and pulling it back out and you should able to get it in position where you can remove the prying screwdriver and it'll stay in place. than just pull the transmission off.

 

yea i also have that problem, i have my engine on the CPicker and all the bolts are out of the transmission but it just wont come out.. So from what i see, you have to pry from the inside of the tranny to budge it out. thx for this thread bro.

 

Always unclip the TOB BEFORE removing the tranny...or else like stated above. It WILL be a royal pita to get it off when the tranny is half off the motor.

 

easiest way is just to unbolt the pressure plate from the clutch.. otherwise youll have to bolt the transmission back up to get enough leverage to pull it off

 

We had to go this route on my car. Just be glad there is a plan B.

 

Just some info. The screwdriver is being used to spread the teeth of the "wedge collar" out so it seperates the retainer clip enough to allow it out of the groove in the throw out bearing. The clip is pretty tough to seperate. Its like a "C" except the ends are a lot closer than the seperation in the letter "C" obviously. Definately bolt the tranny back to the motor before trying it this way. Just be patient with it. Picture your hand with your fingers together like the shape throw out bearing going through the pressure plate with a ring around them. Now spread your fingers outword like you are trying to seperate the ring. That is how the collar / clip work together to remove the clip from the throwout bearing. Maybe a bad example but all i could think of to word it.