Flex plate replacement possible without dropping trans?

[Ryansmiller]

I made a thread about flex plate failure a few days ago, and I was wondering if anyone knows how do able it is, if at all to replace a flex plate without completely removing the transmission?? - 1998 eddie bauer 4.0 sohc with 4wd

 

[SoCal2V]

Nope. You gotta drop the transmission in order to remove the bolts securing it to the crankshaft.

 

[4D X]

And in order to drop the transmission you have to remove the transfer case. good times.

 

[RangerX]

Yes you can do it without dropping the trans. Just pull the engine instead!

 

[1997XLTRollover]

Anyway you cut it you're not going to have a good time. It's possible you could unbolt everything and slide it back enough to get to the bolts, but even then at that point you may as well remove it.

 

[delexploder]

I've done it twice both times on a lift and it was hardly worth it , I have dropped trannys out of more explorers than I care to count and the best way has always been with the truck on jack stands , it should take you about a full day , unbolt the driveshafts from the transfer case and hang them out of the way , take the cross member out , this will allow the tranny to tilt down at the tail allowing you to see the bellhousing bolts , you will need a lot of extensions and a u-joint , make sure you already have the starter out and wires and lines unhooked, once all this is done you can wiggle the whole thing backwards on a big floor jack or tranny jack and then do your flexplate