Transmission Support while removing engine

[Number4]

So, I'm in the process of removing my engine out of my 4x4 94 Ex with a manual trans.

At this point, I plan to leave the trans in.
Starter is already out.

I'm looking to support the transmission. But where I need to support it, is a cross member (which is easily removed) and above that is the Y-Pipe.

I really really really don't want to remove the Y-Pipe. Looks like it'd have to be cut up to do so anyway.
EDIT: Looks like a new Y-pipe isn't too much. May be easier to cut it out then remove the bolts from the manifolds once the engine is pulled.

But I don't see how to support the transmission without doing so.

What have you guys done?

 

[natenkiki2004]

I've read that people support the trans with a 2x4 between the frame rails. I'm going to be doing the same you are as well so it'll be interesting to see what people say.

 

[Number4]

I did two things. One, I purchased the "scissor" style transmission jack from Harbor Freight. It was on sale for $89.99 and I found a 25% coupon for online orders. So, $72 (including $6.99 in freight) it came to my front door.

Here is a picture of the odd shape the front bell housing has on the transmission

I used my contour gauge to get the shape and transferred it to a piece of 4x4 I had laying around.

Fit like a glove.

Used the trans jack just behind the radius arm cross member to help hold and keep the trans from rotating at all. (If it would.)

 

[Number4]

It's worth noting that the entire front section of the transmission is empty. So the block of wood is really serving no point. All of the trans weight is actually behind the bell housing.

I also didn't unbolt the shifter inside the cab. Hope I didn't screw anything up as the trans raised a bit with the engine prior to my separating the two.