If you have to replace the clutch or throwout bearing it's much easier to hang the gearbox on straps and move it forward about 4 inches or so, than to drag the whole gearbox out from under the van. And you can zoom around under the van on a creeper.

I have dragged the gearbox out from under the van to work on the clutch before, and it was not necessary. Then getting it back up onto the jack, balancing it etc, was strenuous. Sometimes you have to jack the van higher (again) the get the bellhousing to clear. With this method, all of that is GONE.

You have to support the front of the engine from falling down. A good way is to use a 2x4 wood across the engine bay (inside the van) and a cargo strap around it, supporting the engine. You have to unbolt the shifting mechanism and the front mount. On the Syncro, of course you have to unbolt the prop-shaft and the breather hose banjo (not easy). As you can see, the CVs are unbolted.

You fellers who roast your clutch 1,000 miles from home should remember this trick - it can be done in the boonies.😂

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UPDATE: On another van, I had to replace the engine-flywheel seal (Subaru EJ25). I used this method and unbolted, removed the flywheel, and replaced the engine flywheel seal. It was MUCH easier than dropping the trans.

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