Whats the trick in getting the starter out.

[tonyd]

Im swapping engines and everything is going well due to all the help from the forum. When removing the starter from my 98 xlt auto 4x4 I couldn't find a place to remove the starter. I was on the ground, on my back and didn't see any place to remove it. Leaving it unbolted laying on something, I removed the engine with it tucked away on the side. Question is. Will I need to do that in reverse or is there a better way . Thanks for all the help.

 

[bigredrangero]

It will wiggle out and down, backside first. You might practice getting it up and in while the motor is out

 

[pjtoledo]

@bigredrangero
please check the dates, this issue was probably resolved 11 years ago.
there have been "a few" starter removal posts since then.

EDIT:
if you place the cursor over the users name a small window will open with some stats., including date last seen.

 

[SenorNoob]

On pc there is a date/time above every post.

 

[gw33gp]

I have never been able to figure out a way to remove the starter on a 4.0 L engine with 4WD without removing the transmission. If you disconnected the starter and laid it to the side to remove the engine, I think that is all you can do. Just reinstall the engine and reattach the starter after the engine is in.

If there is a way to do it any other way, I would sure like to know about it too.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I have never been able to figure out a way to remove the starter on a 4.0 L engine with 4WD without removing the transmission. If you disconnected the starter and laid it to the side to remove the engine, I think that is all you can do. Just reinstall the engine and reattach the starter after the engine is in.

If there is a way to do it any other way, I would sure like to know about it too.

I’ve taken the 4.0 OHV starters in and out a few times over the years. It’s easier with the front driveshaft on 4x4s out of the way. It can be done through. On my mom’s 02 Explorer with the 4.0 SOHC I had to unbolt it by feel from under and push it up so my dad could hook it from the top and wiggle it up out. It’s not easy, but it can be done.

 

[bobbywalter]

I have never been able to figure out a way to remove the starter on a 4.0 L engine with 4WD without removing the transmission. If you disconnected the starter and laid it to the side to remove the engine, I think that is all you can do. Just reinstall the engine and reattach the starter after the engine is in.

If there is a way to do it any other way, I would sure like to know about it too.

they all come out without even pulling the drive shaft let alone the trans.


you pull it back and invert it ....pull the wires....flop them over and walk it out.

noting the positioning of the wires before loosening them.

installation is the reverse of removal.

its a 15 minute job ... 20 if you stop to drink a beer...

 

[gw33gp]

There must be something different about my Ranger. I have a difficult time just getting to the bolts and wire connectors with the transmission in. I have studied it many times and concluded there is no way to get the starter out with the transmission in. I must admit though, I have not tried physically to remove it with the transmission in. I did do it with my 1989 2.9L engine but the 2002 4.0 SOHC seems to be different.

When I replaced the starter the last time I had my transmission out, the wire connectors were different. Fortunately, my brother was helping me. He is a professional mechanic and knew how to modify the connectors.

 

[bobbywalter]

There must be something different about my Ranger. I have a difficult time just getting to the bolts and wire connectors with the transmission in. I have studied it many times and concluded there is no way to get the starter out with the transmission in. I must admit though, I have not tried physically to remove it with the transmission in. I did do it with my 1989 2.9L engine but the 2002 4.0 SOHC seems to be different.

When I replaced the starter the last time I had my transmission out, the wire connectors were different. Fortunately, my brother was helping me. He is a professional mechanic and knew how to modify the connectors.

well, i assure you it will easily come out once you know how it goes....

when i say that, i realize that what i call easily is actually a seemingly impossible task to your observations.

so....yeah. that sux.

you have to work blind. i do this regularly, but...i work on crazy stuff and custom equipment for a living...

in the case of your truck it is more difficult that an older rig...say a tib or ttb chassis....those are a 5 minute job and patently obvious what needs doing...






it takes a specific combination of extensions... it not a one tool job to be sure.

it sux compared to the older rigs, but as long as the engine is cold its very straight forward.....and reverse....and roll over...flip and wiggle process.


removing the drive shaft will make it easier.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

in the case of your truck it is more difficult that an older rig...say a tib or ttb chassis....those are a 5 minute job and patently obvious what needs doing...

I was going to say with my 2.8 (and actually 302) it was like the cable, 2-3 bolts and watch out because it is coming at your face with a vengeance.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

There must be something different about my Ranger. I have a difficult time just getting to the bolts and wire connectors with the transmission in. I have studied it many times and concluded there is no way to get the starter out with the transmission in. I must admit though, I have not tried physically to remove it with the transmission in. I did do it with my 1989 2.9L engine but the 2002 4.0 SOHC seems to be different.

When I replaced the starter the last time I had my transmission out, the wire connectors were different. Fortunately, my brother was helping me. He is a professional mechanic and knew how to modify the connectors.

Yeah, probably the same deal as mom’s 02 Explorer with the SOHC, there is no room to get it down like the OHV trucks, but you can wiggle it around and go up through the engine bay

 

[gw33gp]

It may be possible, but I should not have to find out. My first starter lasted almost 300K miles. I doubt the Ranger or I will last another 300K miles.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It may be possible, but I should not have to find out. My first starter lasted almost 300K miles. I doubt the Ranger or I will last another 300K miles.

But then the odds of an aftermarket/reman starter lasting for 300k miles is pretty slim too...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

But then the odds of an aftermarket/reman starter lasting for 300k miles is pretty slim too...

This, unfortunately, is true…