Raise cab to do flywheel?

[Ferris Bueller]

When I replaced the tranny, clutch, clutch slave & master in my 2004 Ranger 2wd the shop that surfaced the flywheel didn't use the right machine. The clutch shudders when I let out the pedal. I'm thinking of this time of unbolting and raising the cab to make it easier to get at the bolts attaching the tranny to the engine. I see I'd have to disconnect the brake lines from the ABS unit. Possibly have to remove the radiator,, but I'm not sure about wiring. Are there any wiring connectors that I could just unplug while doing this?

 

[RonD]

Not familiar with the upper bolt placement on the 2.3l duratec in a Ranger, but raising the cab seems a bit extreme, is there not a type of tool or tools that can found to make it easier to remove them.

And just a heads up, the 2.3l duratec was designed for transverse mounting, because of this it has a coolant connection at the back of the engine, which requires transmission removal if it should leak when used in a Ranger, this is also why the upper bolts are hard to get to.
So give that coolant fitting a good look, and replace it if looks even remotely questionable.

 

[gw33gp]

I can't imagine the top trans bolts on a 2.3L Ranger would be worse to get at than a 4.0L Ranger. It just takes good extensions and a universal plus maybe a wobble type extension. I always tilt the rear of the engine down to make them more accessible just making sure nothing is binding that is attached to the engine. I would not even consider lifting the cab but who knows it might work.

 

[adsm08]

I have seen guys undo the body bolts and block the cab up a bit with some 2x4s to make getting the trans in and out easier. It never seemed that necessary to me. My 87 is the only one I have ever had issues with, and that was when the body bushings were shot and the cab was sitting on the frame.

Snap-On makes an extension just for getting those top trans bolts, it's expensive, but it's worth it if you do a lot of trannies. It's about 3 feet long and goes from a 1/2 to a 3/8 drive. Last time I priced one they were about $85.

 

[Ferris Bueller]

I've had Lymes disease about 30 years that was diagnosed just two years ago. My arm strength is reduced and being on my back raising my arms up to do anything strenuous can be quite hard. I'm just looking for a shortcut if that exists. One mechanic mentioned that instead of raising the cab to maybe removing the engine mounts so the engine can sit lower. I might just sell it as is. There is just 4000 miles on it since it got the clutch, pilot bearing, clutch master all replaced along with the newer tranny and slave cylinder had only 1500 miles on them. There is just 8000 miles on it since I replaced the steering rack, tie rods, lower ball joints, parking brake cables, and all the rear brakes accept the drums.

 

[delaware74b]

I pulled the top 2 bolts out ('04 3.0) before even putting the truck up to pull the transmission for slave cylinder. It was easier than trying to get extensions along the bellhousing. I get everything bolted up except the top 2 once it's back together and on the ground, then put the top 2 back in.

I have done it twice this way and with no vehicle lift available, just a floor jack and my driveway.