So how realistic is it that I can pull my old automatic transmission out of the bottom of my 850 and swap it with a new one? I have read procedures for dropping the frame and getting the box out that way. I'll be doing this with jack stands and a floor jack. I've done tons of work on the 850 and other cars, but it looks pretty tight in there in terms of getting all the bolts off and lining up the replacement tranny properly.

would appreciate any thoughts

where is the car? I have a great tranny shop in Buffalo NY area that did my 850T slushbox R&R. Just wasnt worth the hassle. "A man's GOT to know his limitations", -Dirty Harry.
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The Family Fleet '90 745 16v; '90 745 GLE; 96 855T; 99 XC, collectively approaching 900,000mi and going strong.

That looks like a nasty driveway project.

To me, it looks like a job for a lift with tall jackstands handy or
perhaps its easier to pull the whole engine/tranny out the top.

If you get the engine out, a lot of jobs get easier, such as clearing the EGR
system, replacing the starter brushes, and other engine jobs.

I'd wait for some guidance from the pro's.

Bill