I have 2 1996 Status'. One with a bad motor. I want to swap the engines & tranny to get 1 good car. What is the best way to do this? Does the Stratus have a cradle set-up with the transaxle and everyhing all as one? If it does, is it easier to lift the front, or lift the engine. I'm not too familiar with the Startus.
Please offer any advice.
Ken In STL

 

I've pulled it both ways not really easier one way or the other, the easiest is if you have a lift to drop it out the bottom then lift the car up and off

 

Buy a Chilton/Haynes.

 

Is it best to remove the engine AND tranny as one unit?
Ken

 

definately , drop the axles, unbolt the motor/tranny mounts, take out as unit harder to wrestle out the top but do able

 

I just did it. I took off the front end and pulled it out that way. I found some advantages, including being access stuff on back side of engine for disconnect/reconnect. The built in slack gives more access with engine pulled forward instead of up. I was able to leave the A/C fully connected by removing compressor from engine and letting hang. I moved pieces/parts out of the way while moving the engine.

The rear motor mount is totally retarded in design and fastener selection. I broke two bolts there.Surprisingly, I didn't break any exhaust fasteners. Also, you have to pop the tie rod ends inorder to remove the axles.