Accessing engine / transmission bolts - 1998 4.0 SOHC 4x4

[speed29668]

I'm pulling the engine to do some timing chain work. What is the best way to access the upper transmission to engine bolts without removing the transmission? Is this possible?

 

[KPT]

Long extension(s) work well. Long enough to get towards the back of the tranny. You have more room to work then.

 

[Willard]

Also pulling the carpet and taking up the cover on the transmission hump is vital as well. It seems like a lot of work to pull the console and everything, but it is worth it.

 

[speed29668]

I'll do it. Thanks to all.

 

[Hunz]

Hey, don't bother with takign any carpet up or using long extnesions. I've been the long extension route and it takes a really long time to do that. make it easy on yourself and take the whole intake manifold off. I know it sounds liek a lot of work but its really not. Once you get it off crawl on top of you engine and presto they are right there( the top 3 or 4 bolts). I once took the extension with swivel socket route and it took me a few days because I would get so frustrated with only getting one bolt off for every 3 hours. It took me start to finish 30 minutes to get all the bolts off, and it took about 45 minutes to remove the whole intake, fuel rails, and wires off. Hope this saves you