well we actuall have it out, but are putting the new one back in tonight.

Is there a trick to it, or is it just a PITA.

My father in law and I are doing this and he is a pro mechanic with over 30 years experiance.

 

It's not difficult at all if you use an engine crane or some other way to lift the transmission from above.

 

we used a chain from above.

I think the angle of the chain may be screwing us up.

Hopefully a fresh perspecive should be all we need.

I was really difficult to get out. We had to remove the presure plate and flywheel to actually get the transmission out from under the car.

 

is there a sub frame or something that should have been removed

 

I'm not sure on the 2002. You did take the mount completely off of the end of the transmission, right? Unbolt it from the car first then from the transmission. Lowering the flywheel end of the engine to tilt it down may also help.