Remove Driveshaft to Lower Tranny

[RangerWidow]

I'm working on the hubbies 2002 Ranger 2.3l automatic, need to change EGR valve and tubes. I only need to lower the tranny enough to access the EGR, is it essential that I disconnect the driveshaft to lower it? My hubby really doesn't want me working under the truck while it's in neutral and I really don't want to screw something up worse by removing it while it's in park.

Thanks

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Block the wheels or use jackstands. As far as the egr I have no experience with the 2.3l.

 

[RangerWidow]

Thanks, I've got it up on ramps and blocked already, hubby will just have to grin and bear it.

 

[adsm08]

The drive shaft will have to be removed in order to get the downward movement needed.

You will likely need to have at least one rear wheel free, and you will need the trans in N to readily get all the bolts out. Basically you need to be able to turn it.

Also, bear in mind that since Park is achieved by a pawl engaging a gear on the output shaft of the trans removing the drive shaft makes park act like neutral.

My personal preference for working on a Ranger trans on the ground is to run the front up onto some ramps and then get out the jack stands and jack the back end up so she sits level.

 

[RangerWidow]

Thanks adsm08, going to dig out some jack stands now.

 

[RangerWidow]

Alrighty...I have followed all the steps in the SECTION 303-08: Engine Emission Control 2003 Ranger Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION up to 9. Lower the transmission enough to allow access to the EGR valve.

The blessed beast will not lower more than an inch before the tranny jack loses contact. Anyone have any ideas on some secret not included in the tech manual or the useless Haynes book. Holy cow! My 91 was never this difficult.

Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

Your 91 was built to be worked on. Anything after 2000 was built to make you mad.

Anyway, loosen the engine mounts. It should give you some more give.

 

[RangerWidow]

Thanks adsm, again. I'm just calling it a loss at this point. Spent more on jack rental that if I had just gone to the shop LOL.