Starter Removal V6 sohc 4wd

[Lazzman]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on removing the starter in my 1998 Sport with the V6 Sohc motor. The Bottom bolt of the starter is pretty easy to get to but I cannot find a way to get to the top bolt. It is hung up under the main cross beam, oil pan and other things. I could probably drop the front drive shaft to get better access but am not sure.

Any tips on starter removal would be very helpful

 

[vroomzoomboom]

undo the front drive shaft. it will make life easier. the top bolt still is a pain. what i would do is put the bottom bolt back in all the way and tighten it, then remove the top one. if you do it that way, the bottom bolt holds the start in, and takes all the pressure off the top bolt (starter wont want to tilt). then take the bottom bolt out.

 

[Lazzman]

Thanks Vroom.

Spent the better part of three hours on this. Got it out but could not get it past the Front Drive Shaft...

Also did not have the right tools to reach the postive and negative nuts on the starter motor. Needed a small box wrench but had none. Any trick for getting to these nuts?

Is it hard to remove the drive shaft?

Thanks for the great advice :biggthump

 

[vroomzoomboom]

drive shaft is 4 bolts that are a torx bit head. you might be able to get a wrench on them, maybe, and a pry bar to get the drive shaft out of the front yoke. you don't have to take it completely out, just unbolt it from the front diff. should only take 10 mins to do.

 

[Lazzman]

Thanks for the info Will do...

 

[Lazzman]

Bump....

 

[celly]

Lazz, I'm surprised you still have the Sport. Didn't you say you were trading it on on something else a while back?

Sorry to hijack. Welcome back and all that jazz.

 

[Lazzman]

Good to hear from you Cell

I do want to trade it on a new Explorer but like a lot of folks have come on not so great financial times, besides that fact I really do love the truck and it is very hard to part with.

I have made it into everything that I wanted in a truck and it still runs & looks great.

 

[96eb96]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on removing the starter in my 1998 Sport with the V6 Sohc motor. The Bottom bolt of the starter is pretty easy to get to but I cannot find a way to get to the top bolt. It is hung up under the main cross beam, oil pan and other things. I could probably drop the front drive shaft to get better access but am not sure.

Any tips on starter removal would be very helpful

If its anything like the OHV you need lots extensions/wobbles and a universal.

 

[Lazzman]

yes, it is definately not a fun procedure.

 

[96eb96]

yes, it is definately not a fun procedure.

If I ever had to do it again I would probably use air tools. I watched a mechanic take one out in the next bay while I got an inspection in 5 minutes with an impact and an interesting set of extensions and universals!

I remember being under the truck and turning in 1/32 increments to get the damn thing out!

 

[kevinspann]

I don't remember it being that hard. i did a whole motor swap and never really thought of, or had to take out the front driveshaft.

 

[xr7coug]

The top bolt hole should be open on the other side of the bellhousing. You can get some penetrating oil in from that side to help. Its nearly impossible to get a good swing even if you drop the driveshaft. Use a 6 point socket, various extensions etc to place the wrench at the end of the starter case. You need to get it between the end of the case and the differential. Most trucks from the rust belt seem to have stuck bolts. If the starter is still working, spray the bolt and then try removing it in a few days. Always follow the advice also mentioned here - remove the top bolt first. Sometimes this is all it takes. In NewEngland, its never easy...

 

[KHE]

I am going through the same job on a '01 Sport Trac 4x4. There is a vibration damper that is mounted to the frame that needs to come out. Two of the three bolts came out with difficulty but the third one won't come out past the halfway point. I have to heat it up with the cutting torch inorder to break the galvanic corrosion if it won't come out this weekend.

It looks very tight in there and I may need to drop the front driveshaft in order to remove the starter from the truck.

Any other tips or recommendations? Thanks!

 

[Josey Wales]

I have a 1999 4.0L 4WD SOHC and decides to taket on this project myself. YES. . . I to am finding out the hard way what a pain in the potatoes this job is. My question is exactly what tools are needed for this particular job?

I have a socket set along with a few extensions. I heard someone mention a swivel and a wobble socket. What length wobble socket should I look to purchase?


Thank in advance and sorry for bumping and old thread but I seriously need this thing out! ! !

 

[koda2000]

I have a 1999 4.0L 4WD SOHC and decides to taket on this project myself. YES. . . I to am finding out the hard way what a pain in the potatoes this job is. My question is exactly what tools are needed for this particular job?

I have a socket set along with a few extensions. I heard someone mention a swivel and a wobble socket. What length wobble socket should I look to purchase?


Thank in advance and sorry for bumping and old thread but I seriously need this thing out! ! !

i've never heard of a wobble socket. the wobble comes from the extension. i would say you're going to need at least 2 feet of extensions. i'd go for closer to 3 feet. the wobble allows you to get on the head of the bolt from a slight angle if necessary.

 

[Josey Wales]

i've never heard of a wobble socket. the wobble comes from the extension. i would say you're going to need at least 2 feet of extensions. i'd go for closer to 3 feet. the wobble allows you to get on the head of the bolt from a slight angle if necessary.

You do mean a 2-3 INCH wobble extension right?

 

[koda2000]

You do mean a 2-3 INCH wobble extension right?

i'm saying a minimum of two 12" extensions (only one needs to be a wobble extn) the right size socket (shallow socket is ok) and a ratchet.

 

[Josey Wales]

i'm sayisa minimum of two 12" extensions (only one needs to be a wobble extn) the right size socket (shallow socket is ok) and a ratchet.

Oh ok so. . . in which direction should I attack the top bolt?

 

[1992fordgreen]

When putting it all back together, dont forget the starter ground wire. I forgot that and it got my heart pumping when it didnt do squat with the key turned clockwise all the way .lol