Can't get Oil Pan OFF!!
It's like a puzzle but it will come out. You don't actually have to remove the stabilizer bolt. You will find a lot of suggestions in this link which chronicles my experience with replacing my RMS...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rms...te-you-191571/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rms...te-you-191571/
The way I suggested should maneuver you around it
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I haven't looked so forgive me if this is stupid, but how hard is it to remove the bolts holding the engine to its mounts and jack it up? Wouldn't that be easier than screwing with the driveline?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l I6
I removed the pan tonight with the tilt technique to get it past the oil pump. I replaced rear main seal (took 5 minutes to do this part) and then put oil pan back on. For some reason I have 1 more issue I cant get one of the stud like bolts to go back in the hole. Every other hole is snug except this one. It keeps stripping but the thing is, this is where it is supposed to go (I made a diagram). Any suggestions? If I leave 1 bolt off will I leak oil everywhere? I tried to use impact wrench to force it in but it gets stuck and wont go in any further.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
I removed the pan tonight with the tilt technique to get it past the oil pump. I replaced rear main seal (took 5 minutes to do this part) and then put oil pan back on. For some reason I have 1 more issue I cant get one of the stud like bolts to go back in the hole. Every other hole is snug except this one. It keeps stripping but the thing is, this is where it is supposed to go (I made a diagram). Any suggestions? If I leave 1 bolt off will I leak oil everywhere? I tried to use impact wrench to force it in but it gets stuck and wont go in any further.
The torque on those bolts is 84 or 130 INCH pound depending on bolt size. It's save to say you can't rescue that any more after the total destruction impact wrench action...
I have no idea why it would not advance any further, other than thatthe bolt has been misaligned or there are simply no threads left on it to let it advance....and if it will leak with one bolt missing....that answer will become clear very soon.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l I6
I tightened the rest evenly just the one wouldnt go in. Ill try again tomorrow. I didnt impact them all lol just the one tried to force it in.
CF Veteran




Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 357
From: Andover, VT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
Those bolts with studs are buggers. It's hard to push up on them to grab the threads. I wouldn't recommend missing a bolt, but it might be fine. Torque specs on the bolts are like 11 ft-lbs or something small like that



