Removing Bolts Between Engine & Trans Explorer 2002 V6 4.0 L

[MyExplorerandMe2]

Explorer 2002 V6 4.0 L

We’re in the process of replacing the engine. We have everything out and disconnected. The engine and trans are still in the vehicle.

We have one problem.

The 13mm bolts that hold the engine and trans together.

Four bolts are out. The two at the top are not.

There isn’t enough space between the engine and firewall to get to them out.

Our only solution at this point is to take apart and remove everything from the top of the engine. Then there is enough space.

Please tell me there is an easier and better way.

 

[410Fortune]

Drop the transmission crossmember and mount
With the back of the transmission / transfer case hanging you can now use long extensions with wobbly and socket to remove the top bellhousing bolts.
I remove and replace all bellhousing bolts from underneath way back at the rear of the transmission with the crossmember removed and a jack under the tailhousing / t case

Hope this helps

 

[donalds]

This is the way

 

[RangerX]

Have lots of extensions for the ratchet/socket, I used 3 12” extensions to reach when I did my 93.

 

[MyExplorerandMe2]

Excellent! Thank you. We’ll be on this tomorrow. Thank you again. This is a great plan. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Drop the transmission crossmember and mount
With the back of the transmission / transfer case hanging you can now use long extensions with wobbly and socket to remove the top bellhousing bolts.
I remove and replace all bellhousing bolts from underneath way back at the rear of the transmission with the crossmember removed and a jack under the tailhousing / t case

Hope this helps

 

[MyExplorerandMe2]

Excellent! Thank you. We’ll be on this tomorrow. Thank you again. This is a great plan. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

[410Fortune]

I dismantle these trucks
I change engines and transmissions a lot
I crush several trucks a year so I can use the parts to save others
Over the years you get real good at taking them apart
My entire shop and tool collection is based on this
Time is money so the faster you can process the truck the more profit
Plus I’m getting older so the less time on my back the better lol

Combo of extensions and wobblys, six Sided sockets, powerful battery impact and lots and lots of light
Make your life easier

The 02+ explorers sohc engines have a very top bellhousing bolt right in the middle
This is one of the more difficult bolts to get at
Why ford did that I will never know lol