Large Project and time limits

I have a large project that I’d love to not have to do on my back on the ground at home. I’m doing a transmission and rear end swap in a classic mustang to modern T5/8.8, but I’m not sure how long the whole process is going to take. There are lots of variables that could take it off the rails such as I have to weld new perches to set the pinion angle, and install a cable clutch. Then there is the issue if the driveshaft will need to be shortened. All of these are dependent on each other and can’t be done individually.

Is there some expectation to be off the lift in a certain amount of time? I’d hate to be midway through and have to put old parts back on to make way for other users. I also know that we can’t keep vehicles overnight without permission and need to know how to align for permission. I worry that there may be a specialty part that would have to be delivered and cause problems with logistics.

Lastly do we have a wench to assist pushing a non-running vehicle up the ramp, or is it just bring your only 2 friends and heave ho? :wink:

Really just trying to judge if the benefit of the lift is outweighed by the logistics of working in the shared space. Anyone have advice?

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Big projects are definitely a challenge in the limitations of a shared workshop. There’s no time limit on the lift, although we do ask that if you’re on the lift you’re actively working (short breaks/emergency auto parts runs are fine).

You’ll definitely need to think through the logistics if something goes wrong or unexpected. Plan A may be to start in the morning and knock it out in a day, but if you run into issues, do you have a trailer to get it onto? Will you roll it down the ramp and park it (as long as it’s not visible from the outside that it’s non-running) and come back the next day? We don’t have a winch but generally you can find help to push if folks are around.

I personally will sometimes do jobs in my Dad’s barn if I’d rather have the convenience of being able to walk at any time vs the convenience of using the lift.

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Guessing others have done something similar. Do a search on all the variables. Driveshafts, modified mounts, clutch kits, etc may be available from various custom shops - both local and online. Might check with local Mustang / car clubs. Lots of details / variables that can become uncooperative on a project like this. Lots of homework to do before picking up a wrench.
Good Luck!