Yetii
Member
- Joined
- December 6, 2010
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Columbus, Ohio
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97 xlt
Greetings all. I am in the process of changing the primary timing tensioner in my 97 SOHC, for the second time (I hate this design). While in there and inspecting, I find that my balance shaft tensioner is cracked in two, but in place. I've done alot of reading and am trying to get to the stupid thing and I'm struggling. I have the oil pan off, oil pickup removed and have the cradle dropped from the engine. Per some of the advice on here, I have removed the 3 front diff mounting bolts and removed the engine mount nuts. I'm soooo close. My problems are:
1. The front diff only moves down slightly.
2. I have no idea where to jack the engine up from (lift point) to gain clearance to remove the cradle. I do not have a hoist. I tried at the bell housing, but that is not easily done and I do not want to crack it.
Can anyone advise me how to get enough lift on the engine to gain clearance?
I have also considered trying to cut the balance shaft chain and just forget about it, but I don't know how to do that either.
I appreciate anything you have to offer.
Thanks!
1. The front diff only moves down slightly.
2. I have no idea where to jack the engine up from (lift point) to gain clearance to remove the cradle. I do not have a hoist. I tried at the bell housing, but that is not easily done and I do not want to crack it.
Can anyone advise me how to get enough lift on the engine to gain clearance?
I have also considered trying to cut the balance shaft chain and just forget about it, but I don't know how to do that either.
I appreciate anything you have to offer.
Thanks!
