300ZX parts, to do lists, and transport vans

A delivery arrived. I was looking around at people breaking cars and found a 300ZX twin turbo that had been wrecked in the front passenger side. After some discussion, I purchased the entire rear end, and front end corners. This included all suspension, breaks, hubs, differential, axles, even the sub frame. I think that was just to reduce their labor hours in removing the pieces I wanted, however. 

This is the differential, an R230, that I will install into my 240z. It's much heavier than the current R200 that is in it, still limited slip, and has a larger ring gear than a Ford 9", but is independent.

While I was inside waiting for rain and deliveries, I re-did the to do lists entirely and checked off what I had already done, which of course makes you feel instantly accomplished. It would get re-done a few more times before this was over.

Everything under the line would be stricken. At this point I was still under the delusion of removing the engine from the bottom of the car, which is a real option, but in the end seemed like more work than it was worth. I was trying to make this a one person operation and the less hoist motions with loads the better. I originally thought lifting the front end of the car with he hoist would be easier, which it still might, but there was a significant amount of work that would have to be un-done to get the car rolling again without the engine. This seemed like a waste without putting an engine back in at the same time, and I was willing to put in the seemingly additional effort if it meant reducing the length of work by half.

I also didn't like the idea of pushing the engine /trans /front suspension around on wheel dollies even though it minimized the weight and motions in the air. People have suggested it, but I've never removed an engine this way and there were too many unknowns for me to plan it quickly. How high does the chassis need to be raised initially and how high does the front end need to be hoisted to clear? More importantly, how do you clear the hoist legs to roll the engine /trans /front suspension out while its holding said chassis? I came to the conclusion one needed a lift for this operation.

Quickly diverging off topic, this was the van I rented several times in London. Once for delivering goods to the port, once for picking up crate pallets from the shop, once to help a friend move.

Old Ford Escort sighting in the UK during a jam.