FM-146 How to Access Bell Housing Bolts

[crustacean]

Okay:

'89 Ranger 4x4 FM-146 2.9L
No Lift
Trying to replace clutch/flywheel etc.

Please, oh please, I beg some Grand Master to tell me the occult secret to accessing and removing the two upper bolts on the bell housing.

I am considering unbolting the upper intake manifold, moving it out of the way and then removing the distributor. Is this madness?

Thanks in advance!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

remove the tranny crossmember and tilt the motor down. then use some extension and a u-joint with socket to remove bolts. leave two bottom ones on till last.

richard

 

[sweetsride]

+1!! if you have a body lift, you can reach down from the top of the motor and get the top 2

Good luck
Kris

 

[crustacean]

I was wondering about tilting the engine. The manual I have is adamant that the motor must be supported. Thank you for the idea!

 

[crustacean]

+1!! if you have a body lift, you can reach down from the top of the motor and get the top 2

Good luck
Kris

Yeah. That would be nice.

 

[crustacean]

Finally!!

Thanks guys! After removing the crossmember and not even moving things around that much, I was able to get a socket on that bastard bolt. Took every extension I had, but it worked.