Hello,

I'm replacing the flexplate in my Blazer - 1989, 4.3, 4x4.

I need to know if there's any trick to getting to the bellhousing bolts all the way around. I cannot drop the exhaust; the bolts are too rusted even for any of the liquid wrenches out there.

It looks like a Chevy SB but waaay tighter.

Thanks,

Josh <><

A long extension and a good flex socket to start with.
Drop the crossmember and unbolt the cat or exhust pipe and drop the rear of engine down as much as you can.
But you may need the crossover pipe off of the manifolds to get the trans out or even the splash shield off of trans.
If the cab/body mounts will come lose you might be able to raise the body up a little.
Or last but not least you can remove engine mounts and lower engine some. But you will need to put them back on engine before you remove trans.
Also watch the fan blade and make sure it does not break fan shroud and the dist cap on back of engine.
It can be done but not easy. I have been there and done it many times.
But not as bad as some newer ford stuff where you have to remove cab or body to get the engine out.
Good luck MT-2500