4.0 SOHC removal

[Roert42]

I always take the bell housing bolts off from the bottom. Reach up around the side. Long extensions and universal joints/ wobble extensions.

Gotta pull the exhaust out of the way anyhow.

Use an induction heater or a torch on the exhaust bolts otherwise you’ll just break them all and have to drill them out.

 

[JJMaine]

I got it off finally. I used some heat and one good sharp hit on the wrench broke it free. It is right hand thread.

Thanks for all of the other good tips as well I'll keep those in mind for sure!

On the AC compressor, to get that off the front of the engine will I need to purge the system? I read somewhere to just put it to the side and leave it connected so will the PS pump stay with that? What do you guys do with the whole unit, leave it on the engine or take it off? Thanks!

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

On the OHV motors I’ve unbolted the power steering and AC from the bracket and take the bracket off the motor and just work around that stuff unless I’m replacing those components. It can be a bit of a challenge but it can be done on those. I’d give it a try on yours

 

[JJMaine]

Thanks. I'm trying my best to be smart and not make more work for myself by disconnecting things that don't need to be but at some point I'm going to have to just drop my purse and give it the full beans. Then figure it out later

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Once a long time ago, when I wasn't busy and wanted a challenge, I removed the whole ac system from my early ranger without disconnecting any part or losing the charge. Iirc it take about a day and a half. Probably could have done it quicker the second time.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks. I'm trying my best to be smart and not make more work for myself by disconnecting things that don't need to be but at some point I'm going to have to just drop my purse and give it the full beans. Then figure it out later

Be careful about that approach, once you go to start lifting the motor you’ll find all of the things you forgot to disconnect, it’s easier to go slow and look for what’s hanging up so hopefully you won’t damage something you regret

 

[JJMaine]

Thanks guys. Well it turns out that the AC compressor is bolted to the power steering unit with 4 bolts so I separated them, took the entire PS off and left the AC off to the side. It shouldn't be a problem. Now "all" that's left I believe is to get the remaining electrical connectors unplugged from the engine and the wiring harnesses splayed in a way that they won't interfere. Then starter out, torque converter bolts and bell housing bolts.

That's for another day. Hopefully next weekend I'll have the motor out. With everything removed off the engine it looks like there is plenty of space to get it out so I don't think it'll be too bad with a couple friends here to help.

Edit: found the access panel under the console. If this works to get even 1 of those top bolts out I'll be happy

 

[JJMaine]

On the bright side, this will be easy to do after I mess this motor up and have to pull it back out. And even easier the third, fourth and fifth times when I have to warranty a reman engine over and over until I get one that works right. I'm a glass half full kind of guy

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

On the bright side, this will be easy to do after I mess this motor up and have to pull it back out. And even easier the third, fourth and fifth times when I have to warranty a reman engine over and over until I get one that works right. I'm a glass half full kind of guy

I believe the current motor in my Choptop is #8. Might possibly be #9 but I’m pretty sure it’s #8. It comes apart pretty easy these days. Not the last time I did a motor in it but the time before I pulled the old motor, regasketed the replacement motor from the block up, stuck it in the truck, and was driving it in about 6 hours. I was trying to thrash it done for the TRS 20th Anniversary trail ride. Made it, shattered the front axle on the second attempt at the first hill climb (there’s a problem with my front axle that I only figured out when I went to fix the broken axle), wheeled the rest of the weekend in 2wd, came home and promptly blew up that engine. I never tore the motor down but I’m pretty sure it slagged a piston.

I’ve swapped more engines than I care to count and there’s going to be more in my future

 

[JJMaine]

Hopefully you'll have me beat on number of engines swapped, forever!
That's what is making it all worth it for me. After this it will relieve most of my stress on if ANYTHING happens to the engine or water pump, power steering, intake manifold etc. I'll know how to remove and replace it all.

The only other mystery to me on this truck will be dropping the transmission but I know I can do that when the time comes.