HELP! (Near) Dead Man Walking.

[shamby]

Hey guys and gals, really hope you can help me out here. I've blown the engine in my 1999 Trooper. It's a 3.5L (obviously) automatic. I'm pulling the engine myself and so far going real smooth. These things were clearly made to be assembled quickly. Nothing like the classic Fords I'm used to tinkering with where everything is bolted on and no "quick connect" wiring. Anyway, I digress.

What I need to know is this: 1.) Is it easier to pull the engine with transmition still attached, separating it at the power transfer case (just past the underbody support OR 2) Unbolt it at the bell housing and just pull the engine itself.

Just seems like I won't be able to get any torque on the 17mm bolts around the bell housing to get them loose, much less tighten them once I re-install the new engine.

Also, does anyone (Chilton, Haynes, etc.) make a manual for the '98 and later Troops? I looked and looked with no luck.

Thanks in advance.

Signed:
Walking in Kansas

[2eyefishclaw]

I always leave the tranny in and pull only the engine

[shamby]

Originally Posted by 2eyefishclaw

I always leave the tranny in and pull only the engine

Any chance you've done it on this particular model/year? Man, it's tight in there and I can't see how I'm gonna be able to get enough booty behind the wrench to break those 17mm's loose. No room for an impact wrench.

[2eyefishclaw]

Drop the tranny crossmember get a long extension or series of extensions connected together whatever is available 17mm on a swivel and lots of straining and sould get them lose after all of the bellhousing bolts are out reattach the crossmember two bolts will do dont waste your time reinstalling all of them as you will have to remove them for reinstallation

[shamby]

2eye:

Thanks so much for the reply (again). Will do as you recommend this week and let you know how many knuckles I crack open.

(Now, where did I put those band-aides?)

-Shamby