This seems like an easy question, but I really can't find the answer. I have the car on the hoist and we are almost ready to turn over for the first time. It seems like we are able to shift though all of the gears (without engine on). My question is, even though it is in gear, it is fairly easy to turn the wheels. Is that normal? Thanks for your help?

Because of the differential it should turn fairly easy, with the other wheel turning the opposite direction. If you tried to turn both wheels the same direction at the same time you would not be able to turn them (if it is in gear) due to the engine compression.

It's pretty easy to turn the wheels because of the differential. You're turning one wheel, and the other rear wheel will rotate the opposite direction. In other words, you're not rotating the engine -- just the internal gearbox parts. If you want to turn the engine, you need to lock one of the wheels (typically I use a breaker bar and 19 mm socket, and since my car is on a mid-rise lift I use the floor jack handle wedged against the floor). It's easiest to move the engine when car is in a higher gear, like 5th. At that point, it's still pretty easy to rotate the one wheel and turn the engine.

Edit: beat me to it

Awesome. I thought it might be something like that but just wanted to make sure before we tried turning it over. Thanks for your help!!