The ls1's have 9 bolts holding the bellhousing of the 4l60e to the engine. The problem i have run into is that the dowel does not want to separate itself. The dowel is causing the transmission to remain connected to the engine. Simple methods of wiggling the transmission with a jack underneath have not worked, nor has pry bars and bottle jack pushing against trans towards differential. Has anyone ever run into this problem and how would i go about correcting this? The transmission needs to be separated or else there is no way to service the transmission. Any Ideas?

 

Are both dowels seized or just one? This may sound crazy, but I do this for a living, so trust me, I have never broke a bellhousing this way yet. Besides, if you do, the bellhousing separates from the trans so if you do you can replace it, unlike us LT1 guys. Ok,....... make sure you have all the bolts out, LS1's have one way up at the top I believe (been awhile since I seen one in the shop). Anyways,....if both pins are seized, support the weight of the trans with a jack but dont "lift" it up. Start by getting a prybar in the starter hole with the blade just catching the inside of the back of the engine block and pry the bell away using the starter hole edge of the bell. It may take some good force, or a few good/quick heaves but it will pop off. Now that you've got some play it gets a little easier. Keep the jack under the trans but just enough height to keep it from falling. Heres where you're going to think im crazy, but grab the tail housing and start yanking it side to side but dont pull hard towards the driver side of the vehicle because thats the pin still stuck. Instead kind of pull to the drivers side a few inches then slam the tranny back towards the passenger side violently. Repeat if necessary, I bet you'll have her off in about 2-3 tries. Good luck, PM me how you make out.

Oh yeah, you can spray the pins with penetrating spray to make life easier. I recommend liquid wrench or something similar.