Hoopty1111

I've begun dropping the tranny on my 98 to repair a clutch issue and throw a clutch kit on (clips that hold the throwout bearing to the fork have broken off) and I have a few questions that i couldn't figure out from other write ups. So far i have got the driveshafts removed, starter off, tcase linkage disconnected, and speedo plug undone.

1) what exactly has to happen with the exhaust? do i just have to undo the two bolts coming off the header to the downpipe?
2) once i remove the crossmember, I can drop the trans and tcase some to allow access to get the the shifter release and the plugs up top that are hard to get to right? If so how much can i safely let it down without breaking anything?

Thanks

Eugene Jeep

Dropping these trannys are actually really simple. Someone on here will correct me if i'm wrong but here's my .02

1. Yes, the downpipe needs dropped for bellhousing clearance (2 bolts on the flange)
2. The tranny mount also doubles up as an exhaust hanger for the cat, pop it off the mount and you will have even more room
3. make sure you have an E14 socket with a couple big extensions to get the two CKP mounting bolts off. (often overlooked when prepping)
As far as tranny clearance to get to the shifter and whatnot, when i did my clutch in my 89 with the same tranny, i lowered about 2 in. and took a ratcheting wrench to it until i could pop the shifter out and set it aside....

x91evo

Make sure you have a jack ready to go under the motor.
If not possibly the motor could lean far enough back to crack fan shrouds, rip out some wires or whatever else gets in its way when it leans backward haha

Hoopty1111

well got the exhaust off but the two flange bolts broke despite soaking in pb blaster for two days. not worrying about this now but is there some sort of repair for this?