I'm in the process of pulling the engine. I'm trying to move the engine-transmission-transfer-case all forward as one unit so I can get the bolts out of the bell housing. Is that the best way to approach engine removal? Every thing is loose and moving as a unit but the lower engine (oil pan) is hung up on the steering rack and cross member before the tail of the transfer case clears the rear cross member. Suggestions?

Ratcheting wrenches are your friend.Invest in a set. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />

I have the wrenches you mentioned, I was asking if I was going about the job the correct way. I've removed the same engine from an 89, but I don't remember having this issue. Maybe over time I forgot the bad parts....haha

Haven't done exactly what you are doing myself. I know the service manual talks about pulling the engine and tranny, can't recall if they included the t-case in that or not. I would be amazed if the t-case would clear the tranny x-member. It's only four bolts, pull it and see if she goes.

Your just trying to remove the Torque Converter** bolts? just remove the dust cover and you can rotate the crank by hand and get a 14mm socket wrench on them one by one.

**sorry tired when posted <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

did you remove the radiator yet so the whole unit came come forward? is the vehicle high enough off the ground to get the proper angle for removal? The bell housing bolts are tough to remove. i had to remove the 17 mm ones with an angled snap on wrench.

When I pull the engine I don't do anything to the trans except unbolt the bellhousing bolts. Then I do the flywheel to torque converter bolts, then rock the engine back and forth until it comes apart.

Sounds like I'm likely going about it OK. It seems unlikely that the engine, tranny and TC are all 3 coming out together (was not planning that). Guess I have it as far forward as she will go with TC still attached. Now I have to be a contortionist ad get to all those bell housing bolts somehow. The Chilton suggests removing the transmission as part of the engine removal. Well, in that case you still have to remove the bell bolts. So I don't see the advantage to that method. I think if you separated and removed the TC you might get the engine and tranny out together. But, I'm to far into removing the bell bolts already for that. Wish me luck!

Just an idea but you might be able to drop the engine, tranny and xcase as a whole after disconnecting the cross members assuming you lift the body high enough.

Removing the transmission with the engine is not really the preferred choice in my opinion. a few extra long extension and wobble sockets in the right area got the top bellhousing bolts no problem. If your planning on removing the transmission to replace seals or rebuild it, I would say the order should go like this. Driveshafts > transfer case > Cross Member > Trans > Engine . Leaves you alot more room and alot less head and back ache. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />