Bolt access / eng to trans

[River Otter]

My wife's 99 Explorer 4.0 decided to spit a rod out through the side of the block.
Bummer. The fact that my 17 year old son was out with his buds in it and probably
Doggin the poo out of the poor old girl may have played a part. Anyhow, I've just
Begun the process of removing the engine and have run into the silliest thing.
I feel dumb asking this - have done almost my own mechanic work for many years
That being said, how the blazes is a guy suppose to get at the upper bolts holding
The eng and trans together? There's no room between the back of the motor and
The firewall at all. Its always a challenge there even on my old 76 Chevy 4X but
Jeeeeeezzzzzz, this is tight! Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Blee1099]

Remove the center console and you can access the bolts on top of the tranny from the access panel.

 

[coonerboy]

Remove the center console and you can access the bolts on top of the tranny from the access panel.

You sure about that? I have had that cover off and was able to access the transmission to transfer case bolts, but I don't see how you could get the bellhousing bolts from there.

 

[River Otter]

You talking about from inside the vehicle? There's a removable panel in there?

 

[River Otter]

By the way this is a two wheel drive sohc if that matters for this discussion.

 

[coonerboy]

You talking about from inside the vehicle? There's a removable panel in there?

Yes there is a access panel under the center console. Remove the console and the carpet and you will see it. Like I said though, not sure if will provide the access needed to get those bolts out.

Have you tried several extensions and a universal to try and get them out from underneath?

 

[River Otter]

Not yet. I've been busy getting everything else disconnected and ready. Problem is, I can't see or even feel those bolts. Been thinking about removing the intake and valve covers. I think that might give me enough room but surely there are many many folks herr who could provide a definitive answer.

 

[River Otter]

By the way coonerboy, I appreciate your help all the same. I didn't know such a panel was there.

 

[$TheMoneyPit$]

get your self a two foot extension and a 14mm socket and a universal and have paitence with it i found wrap on layer of 3m tape around the universal to stiffen it up but not to much it will make it a whole lot easier on you and on of those bolts will have a ground wire on it held on by a bracket

 

[River Otter]

Thanks for the info. The long extension and socket method was suggested to me today by a former Ford mechanic. Since I can't see or touch those upper bell housing bolts I'm thinking on of those mirrors on a stick might come in handy. Thanks for the info!

 

[JoeMahma]

I would also try extensions a swivels through the access panel inside the truck. Good luck.

 

[KPT]

You don't need a universal joint. This is what you need:

 

[River Otter]

Gimme more then that KPT. What am I looking at there? I see what looks to be apron 18 inches of 3/8 extensions but is that some sort of swiveling socket or what?

 

[River Otter]

On second look, that appears to be a 1/2 inch adapter on the left end. If so, this rig would have to be fished in from underneath. Correct? More info please. Thanks.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

or try this, take a 13 mm wrench, and put the box end on the bolt. with the open end, put a 1/2 inch ratchet on it. that way you should have enough room to reach the bolt, and loosen it too. i know they are a ***** to get at, even with the intake off.

 

[River Otter]

Thanks for the suggestion Vroom. I bought a 4.0 from a salvage yard yesterday. Since I will be off work Friday Saturday and Sunday, its almost time to do the deed. I'll post what ever method worked best. Wish me luck....

 

[KPT]

Gimme more then that KPT. What am I looking at there? I see what looks to be apron 18 inches of 3/8 extensions but is that some sort of swiveling socket or what?

The shorter extension is 10". Don't remember what the longer one is but looks to be twice that. So around 30" of extensions. Yes, thats just a 1/2" adapter on the end. Its long enough to get at it from underneath and behind the tranny.

The upper starter bolt is tons of fun too. You need a similar length of extensions but a universal joint too. The ratchet should be somewhere around the radiator.

 

[River Otter]

Cool. Thanks. I'll have to look at that starter again but at first glance it appeared to be pretty easy to get at. Maybe not from what you describe. I've been needing to get some longer extensions anyway - probably have 3 or 4 of the 6 inch variety and I used to have a 12 once upon a time. You may know how that is. Hard to keep up with stuff sometimes and extra challenging with a 17 year old son like mine. Good kid but just won't pick up like he should.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

here, this may also help you out.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=244560

i did two motor swaps this year, and i got it down to about 6 hours to pull a motor. also, be warned of this DO NOT SPIN THE MOTOR BACKWARDS!!!!!!! i did that on the last truck i did, and screwed the motor up. it will throw it out of time, and when you go to start it, the valves will make sweet love to the pistons! very bad!!!

 

[River Otter]

Wish I could access that link. For some reason my Blackberry won't allow it. Thanks just the same. I believe from what folks have shared here and from other sources that The way to spank this puppy is clear. Long extension from underneath should do the trick. Will keep you posted.