1998 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L Transfer Case Top Bolt Removal

[rogueexplorer1]

I've read you can access the top bolt if you remove the center console. Here's how far I've gotten;
Removed the display; Removed the cup holder; Remove the 2 front bolts & the wire connector bolt that removes the half of the connector; Removed the 2 bolts in the center of the console in the center.

The console does not release @ the back clips. I then started removing all on the inner parts to try to expose the back clips but still can't get to it. I've removed most of the bolts that are visible from every area I can see & still, the console does come back & lift up. I even sprayed some penetrating oil aroung the metal bracket @ the back end that is "attached" to the carpet, thinking it was rusted to the console clips. Not moving.

What's next!

 

[410Fortune]

There are 4 bolts holding the console in 2 at the dash where the wiring connector went and then two more gold head 8mm that go vertical into the floor below the cupholder section
Once those 4 are out, and I mean all the way out of their holes, sit in the backseat and wrap your arms around the console wiggle is side to side whilst pulling rearward it will release … even the most stubborn ones release with the wiggle motion

 

[rogueexplorer1]

There are 4 bolts holding the console in 2 at the dash where the wiring connector went and then two more gold head 8mm that go vertical into the floor below the cupholder section
Once those 4 are out, and I mean all the way out of their holes, sit in the backseat and wrap your arms around the console wiggle is side to side whilst pulling rearward it will release … even the most stubborn ones release with the wiggle motion

Guess I just need a little more pull back muscle! I took all those bolts out 1st, according the manual, & it wouldn’t budge! Then I proceeded to take the rest of all the side bolts out that attach the plastic outer shell off all the other brackets, including the rear cup holder & it still won’t budge.

I’ll have to do this again to the truck I’m swapping it into. Hope it goes better in that 1!!

 

[410Fortune]

No need to take all the plastic stuff off it won’t help
It has to release from the rear clips
Trust me I have battled and battled these suckers
It’s the wobbling back and first (side to side) that gets them to finally release

FYI to get the top t case bolt
It maybe easier to drop the transmission crossmember m,
Lower the t case down a bit and attack that bolt from underneath

 

[rogueexplorer1]

No need to take all the plastic stuff off it won’t help
It has to release from the rear clips
Trust me I have battled and battled these suckers
It’s the wobbling back and first (side to side) that gets them to finally release

FYI to get the top t case bolt
It maybe easier to drop the transmission crossmember m,
Lower the t case down a bit and attack that bolt from underneath

Well 410, you were correct!! A few hard wobbles & that sucka popped right back & out!!

Now I’m gonna do the crosmember lowering cause it looks like a job to take the carpet out to get to where I can access that bolt. Stay tuned……

 

[rogueexplorer1]

No need to take all the plastic stuff off it won’t help
It has to release from the rear clips
Trust me I have battled and battled these suckers
It’s the wobbling back and first (side to side) that gets them to finally release

FYI to get the top t case bolt
It maybe easier to drop the transmission crossmember m,
Lower the t case down a bit and attack that bolt from underneath

What I'm seeing under there is an exhaust hanger bolted to the TC, a center part of the crossmember that looks like I can just unbolt the 2 bolts front & back on each side & a through bolt for each side that holds that center piece to the 2 side brackets that bolt to the frame & that center piece should come down with the TC, leaving the 2 main brackets attached to the frame in place, correct?

I have a floor jack under the tranny pan with a 2 x 4 on it to hold & lower the tans/engine down to get to the top bolts. I also have a motorcycle lift that I can use for under the TC, just have to get it jacked up more to allow enough room for the cycle jack to get under & enough room for the TC to come out.

Does all that make sense?

 

[410Fortune]

Yes
There are 4ea 13mm bolts that go up vertically
They have 15mm nuts on top
Then there are 15mm head bolts that run horizontal through the torsion bar brackets and the crossmember
They have 18mm nuts
Now the trans mount has two each 18mm or 19mm nuts and you can pry the crossmember out of the way. Have a jack under the transfer case
Now uou can undo the 19mm bolt that holds the trans mount to the trans. Releasing the exhaust mount
Now you can freely lower the t case and get thr top bolt
You can let the transmission hang and get at the top bolt easy

Here is what the crossmember looks like
Yes the side bracket stay in place they are welded to the frame. Those are the torsion bar hangers

 

[rogueexplorer1]

Yes
There are 4ea 13mm bolts that go up vertically
They have 15mm nuts on top
Then there are 15mm head bolts that run horizontal through the torsion bar brackets and the crossmember
They have 18mm nuts
Now the trans mount has two each 18mm or 19mm nuts and you can pry the crossmember out of the way. Have a jack under the transfer case
Now uou can undo the 19mm bolt that holds the trans mount to the trans. Releasing the exhaust mount
Now you can freely lower the t case and get thr top bolt
You can let the transmission hang and get at the top bolt easy

Here is what the crossmember looks like
Yes the side bracket stay in place they are welded to the frame. Those are the torsion bar hangers

View attachment 464382

Cool. Thanks, 410. Gonna get at this tomorrow. Had the refresh my neighbors floor jack. Never can understand guys leaving their tools outside for all the element's to invade!!

 

[410Fortune]

Yes must take care of your equipment!!! I wish I had a cover for all
My trucks and stuff without having to use tarps… lol I call it the 10
Year plan