Today, I was able to get the transmission back into the car. Because I am one-handed at the moment, I purchased a transmission jack, and I enlisted the help of a friend. This thing is quite the beast - 1000 lb. capacity and it has two telescoping lifting sections (rods). It cost more than I wanted to spend, but I couldn't force myself to buy a cheap, garbage version. I guess as I get older, I'm going to need more assistance for jobs like this one. So, this is a nice thing to have available.

I should be able to finish putting the rest back together and take the car for a test drive tomorrow.

I have had the cheap tranny jack for years and I hate it. The double rods are nice. Buy once, cry once. you made the right call!

I was able to get everything back together on the car yesterday. The new yoke (with a new bushing in the back of the transmission) was a very snug fit. After double checking I torqued everything, I was able to take the car on a test drive. What a big difference! I got up to about 80 on some interstate and the severe vibration, which previously could be felt with a hand on the transmission tunnel, and seen in the blurring rear view mirror, was gone.

Now, I can get back to the small list of things that I have to do to finish this car:

• install rear tail light trim panel

• install front right kick panel

• clean and glue in tool compartment liners

• repaint tail light trim panels (for better color match)

• install NOS glove box hinge/inside panel

• install rear hatch trim panel

• repair and install factory radio, or install guts of a new radio in the old radio case