Separating TT from the Transaxle

I keep getting deeper and deeper on the project, but it's all good.

I've removed the entire rear suspension for a refresh of bearings, caliper refinishing, brake lines, and general cosmetic upgrading of components. I've slightly lowered the transaxle to provide better access to the shift coupler, and (not suprisingly) the grub screw did not cooperate. Rather than work on my back, I've decided to just pull the transaxle to address it, with the added benefit of being able to clean all of the gunk on the gearbox whilst it is out of the car.

I've removed all of the connecting hardware, and have not be able to separate the TT & transaxle. The only bolt in question is the allen-head bolt in the rear driveshaft coupler. It's loosened, but not removed. the coupler aligns so that I can loosen the bolt, but cannot be removed because the coupler is inside the TT just enough that the bolt will not clear into the access opening.

My only guess is that there is a notch in the input shaft of the tranaxle that the bolt captures, and until the bolt is fully removed, I cannot separate the TT/Transaxle.

Am I correct? Any thoughts/suggestions/things I'm missing?

Thanks for the help.

Bob

Dremel just enough clearance to remove the bolt?

Makes sense, Wally.

Any input on whether there is a notch in the input shaft that the pinch bolt passes through? If there is, the dremel fix and removal of the pinch bolt will 'set me free'.

For the record, I have all 6 bolts removed at the TT/TA mating surface, the shift rod released from the coupler, the speedo/back-up light wiring secured, and the pinch-bolt significantly loosened but not removed. Am I missing anything?

Thanks in advance...

bob

Yes, there is a notch, and the bolt must be removed.

What would we do without these forums?? Thanks a million, Wally!

Bob