Now that I have the v6 out of my 96 Blazer, is it easier to remove the transmission, attach it to the engine & install both at the same time or just install the engine when ready? Thoughts plz>

 

If the trans is already in the truck, i would leave it there and just mate the engine back up when you reinstall it.
Just make sure that the torque converter is fully seated into the trans or you risk breaking the transmission pump.

 

Yep, easy way to tell if the converter is all the way in is to try to put your fingers between the trans pump and the converter. If they don't fit, the converter is all the way back. If they do, spin the converter and push back on it until you feel it go in another step. Recheck with your fingers. Also, slowly draw up the bell bolts tight by hand while watching the gap between bell and engine. If you start to feel the bolts get tight before the gap is closed, stop and make sure the converter turns freely. If it is up against the flexplate, it slipped out on you during installation. If you tighten it up fully like that the pump rotor will crack.

Also make sure no wires or hoses are caught between the bell and the engine at the top.

 

slimshady, I thought my wires were not caught between the bell & the engine at the top back. When I tried to install the distributor wire, I discovered I thought wrong. Wise advise. I hope others read & adhere to your thoughts.