Engine Removal Suggestions....

[skid2964]

I may need to remove the engine in my '79 Cherokee soon for a rebuild. What is best method? Over the grille? take the grille out? Keep engine, trans and t-case all together?

[JeepsAndGuns]

On baby Jeeps (CJ,YJ,TJ) removing the grille would be the best, but on the FSJ it would be too mutch extra work. Just remove the hood and you should be just fine. Thats how I have always removed a engine. And I have always seperated the tranny from the engine too. I dont see the need of removing the tranny if it doesnt need any work.

[skid2964]

Actually, the trans and t-case both need to be rebuilt. Still best to separate them?

[JeepsAndGuns]

Some people might argue, but I think it would be more easy to remove them seperate. Think of it this way, your gonna have to seperate them anyways. Plus it is harder the get the whole setup balanced on a cherry picker and pull it out at the same time. Unless you pull the grille. I HIGHLY reccomend that you either buy,rent, or borrow a tranny jack to remove the tranny/tcase.

[skid2964]

good info, I will separate them, the less weight lifted at one time the better. Thanks

[PhilSine]

You don't have to remove the grille but you should remove the radiator and fan. This is to give you more room to maneuver and more importantly to reduce the chances that you may damage either one.

I too will soon be pulling an engine for the first time and had the same question about the tranny and t-case. My dad says keep em together but I say "why"? He claims that it will save time in that it's a pain to work the tranny bolts and to line up the torque converter but I think I'd rather mess with bolts and torque converter than to jockey the whole assembly around.

[Lindel]

Definately easier to pull just the engine. I helped a couple of friends do just that this weekend.

Pulled the Engine out of the Cherokee, after dropping the tranny and t/c. We pulled the entire drivetrain out of the parts wag all at once (but there's no front clip on it either)

[ March 01, 2004, 04:50 AM: Message edited by: Lindel ]

[Breeze]

I haven't pulled the engine but did the trans and tcase in one piece. Came out pretty easily, but to get it back in you really should have two jacks, would be best with a trans jack under trans and a second floor jack under tcase. Total weight is over 300lbs.

[Gwamp]

Remove hood, make sure you mark the location where it bolts up to. take out radiator and fan. make sure you have disconnected all the wires, hoses and assorted ziptyes. I have always seperated the tranny/t-case from the motor when removing. You can also let the sir out of the front tires to give a little downwards angle to the motor. This sometimes helps to get things seperated and keep them sliding out.

[andy d]

coupla other things to remove is the heater box and core, and the charcoal canister. chiltons also says to remove the trans cover. i didnt and it was a PITA to get to the top bolts on the bell housing.