Pickup might be done for

[01WHTRNGR]

Unbolt the torque converter from the flex plate, don't pull the torque converter with the engine, leave the trans as a sealed unit (other than the cooler lines which you probably disconnected which is fine). You can either turn the crankshaft by the crank bolt or rotate the ring gear with a prybar from the starter hole or something...

Got that done. Just can’t get these top transmission bolts undone. Not finding anything useful online either

 

[scotts90ranger]

A long extension (I'm talking like 3' of extension) and a swivel socket usually does the trick, or dropping the transmission mount or crossmember to get the transmission down lower to get a better angle at the bolts is the other thing I've done.

 

[SenorNoob]

I like the long extension setup myself. I've pulled the top 2 bolts from the slot between the bed and bumper on an S10 before. That was kinda funny to see, I'm sure. Had to have a partner to put the socket on the bolts by feel and hold it on while I turned.

I doubt it's the same on the SOHC, but the old OHV engine you can pull the top 2 bolts from under the hood. It helps there to take the transmission mount loose and RAISE the transmission.

 

[RobbieD]

About 3 feet of extension is what I use. And I prefer a "wobble" end for the socket; when using a universal-joint swivel end I run a wrap of electrical tape around it to make it less "floppy" but still able to swivel.

I have gotten the top two bolts on the OHV from the top with a wrench, but my preferred way to get them is to lower the transmission tail and use the long extensions with a socket and ratchet (or battery impact).

If you're dropping the tail really low, be sure to check the fan-to-shroud clearance, and the distributer cap clearance on the older ones (and that's assuming you've already disconnected the shifter, wiring, and cooling lines on an auto). On a 2.9 you have to watch for the intake hitting the firewall, too; I don't remember it being an issue on the 4.0. Dropping it too low is not nice on the engine mounts, either.

Mine are all 2WD; I use a spare yoke to keep the oil/ATF from running out of the tail shaft housing.