1996 XLT 4.0L 4WD automatic starter removal.

[san57]

My friend has the above car. Trying to replace starter but xfer case is just below it. Not enough room to get to top bolts and no room to pull starter if we get bolts out.. Does xfer case have to be rmvd or does engine have to be jacked up? TIA

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section.

 

[muhl5443]

no. you should just be able to unbolt the starter and pull it out, you should disconnect the battery before removing the starter. can you take a pic, cause i have done many starters on these trucks and and having a hard time believing what you are saying.

 

[san57]

I wish it was as easy as you say. Bottom bolt & hot wire easy to get to. On top two bolts you can just get socket on with a swivel & extension but not enough torque to break loose because of swivel. Have not worked on this for couple days because of time. Also no fun laying on your back with sweat running in your eyes lol! I did see on the web another guy told how he did this. He said hole in frame to get socket through and when loose pull starter up through engine compartment. Is that how you did it? Will have to take another look at this. Oh yea, 90 min of his time was spent swearing at the car!!! Thanks.

 

[drdoom]

Best thing would be to get your hands on a starter wrench. As an alternative, two combination wrenches in "The Sex" mode will work. YMMV

 

[san57]

OK, guys. A third guy came over and he did use 2 comb. wrenches in the "sex" mode. I still didn't think he could get the bolts loose but all of a sudden I heard a "pop" and one was loose and he did get the motor out from the bottom. Amazing, at least to me it was. Haven't got the new one yet but now know it will go back in. Thank you all for the help.

Dennis

 

[StrangeMadness]

no. you should just be able to unbolt the starter and pull it out, you should disconnect the battery before removing the starter. can you take a pic, cause i have done many starters on these trucks and and having a hard time believing what you are saying.

So I'm having the same issue, replaced the motor the first tim then starter the second bc the first starter was for a 97 so I used the motor off of it. Then replaced the whole starter and it's under warranty still. Had someone help me before and guided it on the top bolt thru the wheel well and they used an extension and swivel from above. now im doing it solo and having a hard time getting to the top bolt again. Tried going under and I don't have much room to move the ratchet and keep the socket from coming off while applying pressure. It's the right size socket just awkward angle.

 

[Pete Deering]

I'm having the same issue, replaced the motor the first tim then starter the second bc the first starter was for a 97 so I used the motor off of it. Then replaced the whole starter and it's under warranty still. Had someone help me before and guided it on the top bolt thru the wheel well and they used an extension and swivel from above. now im doing it solo and having a hard time getting to the top bolt again. Tried going under and I don't have much room to move the ratchet and keep the socket from coming off while applying pressure. It's the right size socket just awkward angle.

I have a 95, I had the Same problem, the first time.
now 2nd & 3rd time, less than 45 mins.
Tools, stanley tools make a ratchet, that you spin the handle and the head turns. And ratcheting wrenches. I also have adapter you can add to your socket, too use the ratcheting wrenches on sockets.
1. Disconnect positive terminal on battery.
2. Remove the two starter bolts.
3. Than pull the starter out and turn it up. Nose facing up.
4. then Disconnect the positive cable nut on starter.
Than slip it through between the exhaust pipe and engine. Its out.

 

[Pete Deering]

I jus

I'm having the same issue, replaced the motor the first tim then starter the second bc the first starter was for a 97 so I used the motor off of it. Then replaced the whole starter and it's under warranty still. Had someone help me before and guided it on the top bolt thru the wheel well and they used an extension and swivel from above. now im doing it solo and having a hard time getting to the top bolt again. Tried going under and I don't have much room to move the ratchet and keep the socket from coming off while applying pressure. It's the right size socket just awkward angle.

I have a 95, I had the Same problem, the first time.
now 2nd & 3rd time, less than 45 mins.
Tools, stanley tools make a ratchet, that you spin the handle and the head turns. And ratcheting wrenches. I also have adapter you can add to your socket, too use the ratcheting wrenches on sockets.
1. Disconnect positive terminal on battery.
2. Remove the two starter bolts.
3. Than pull the starter out and turn it up. Nose facing up.
4. then Disconnect the positive cable nut on starter.
Than slip it through between the exhaust pipe and engine. Its out..

Just looked on amazon. it called

Stanley Hand Tools 89-961 001PC 14DR ROTATOR RATCHET​

I believe this a 1/4 inch drive. I have a 3/8 drive. I paid $5 for it. At Wal-Mart and also at lowes. They were closing them out same as Wal-Mart.
Now its $30 too $70. For whose prices, u can buy a long reach 12v ratchet plus the charger at Harbor F.