Thanks, folks.

I tried to drop the driveshaft--the four bolts holding it to the yoke wouldn't budge, and I didn't have a cutting torch handy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . PB Blaster and my longest ratchet handle didn't budge 'em--my Raider has 198k-ish on the clock, and I have to wonder if those bolts (or those holding the starter) have ever received any attention in that time.

I got the bottom starter bolt out by working from the back, underneath the truck. Two extensions and a wiggler, plus mucho cussing. I'll attempt to work up the patience to try again in about an hour or so. Not a huge deal, since I walk to work, but I have a road trip next weekend. Now where did I leave that bourbon....



I'm almost afraid to ask, but what's a "hootus?"

Ahhhhh...... there's your problem, right there! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Frank

The Starion engine bay is almost 5" longer than a Montero, this give much more access to both ends of the engine.

When I pull a 2.6 from a Monti I remove the head first. Easiest way to get the top of the bellhousing. Of course to pull the head you start with removing the hood to reduce how deep the hood catch imbeds into you. I seen to remove the hood quite often to get to the rear of the engine bay.
Actually the hood to hinge bolts are about worn out from being removed so often on mine.

My old Grand Wag had a pirate's hook hood latch--I still have the dents in the back of my skull from that thing. The factory was kind enough to paint it bright yellow, but I guess the eyes in the back of my head are color-blind.

oh you guys just had to go and remind me of how much bolod I have lost over that. Heck I could probably collect the hair and scalp I have lost on that thing and make a toupee.

A hootus is...um...yer "thingy". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Ya mean.....my, um, whatchamacallit?



Yikes.

Now if you get that thingy hooked up on the hood catch when going through the contortions of reaching fasteners on the back of the engine we, umm don't want pictures. Or do we.

I can just see the news story on this one.

Thank god Bourbon has medicinal uses too.

Hootus = Yer Junk

cmon... get serious, and get that top bolt out. we want to hear success.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

It just stopped snowing and the ground's all soggy, so no wrenching for me today. I have to find another long ratchet extension (I only have the one--no jokes, fellers). I'm *thinking* that, given the "body lift" advice earlier, I might use the handle bottle jack to lift the body just a touch--perhaps a block of wood between the jack head and a nice, solid chunk o' body would do the trick?

Seriously, though, thanks everyone for the help and especially your patience.

I still haven't found that bourbon.