I just bought '99 Cherokee and I need to remove the engine and trans. I have searched here and googled the subject so I understand that it is easier to pull engine and transmission together..
What I can't find anywhere is if I will have to remove the grill to do both at the same time. I know the radiator will have to come out doing it this way but I really, really don't want to do the grill/headlights lights if I don't have too.

Can I do it this way?
TIA

 

yes, the header panel/grille assembly will have to come off because with the engine/trans combo, only way it's coming out is horizontally.

 

pulled mine out.Its nice not to have anything in the way.

 

Well crap. Not the response that I was hoping for but at least now I know.
Thanks guys.

 

The header panel is pretty simple to remove. No more than 10 bolts or so holding it in.

 

Youre about to pull the drivetrain and youre worried about the header panel?!
Yes, you have to pull it, but easy compared to the rest of it. Not to mention it's nice to have off before hand to get to the hoses, harnesses, etc.
GL

 

Not really worried about it but with the substantial amount of work that does lie ahead I don't want to have to remove/replace more than necessary.

 

I hear ya there! GL man

 

Why does the trans need to come out?

 

I was wondering the same, is it bad also or just rebuilding both at same time?

 

Engine comes out sooooo easy, there's no need to pull anything more than the radiator.

But what do I know. I part Jeeps out as a hobby.......

 

Are we saying it's harder to remove two drive shafts, cross member, and core support?
And easier to remove two drive shafts, the many random sized (and type) bolts in a tight trans tunnel, cross member, and rad?

I genuinely want to know from those experienced. I myself have to do this soon.

One will need an engine transplant, the other will parted out.
01, 4.0, NV3550 and the other 95, 4.0, AX15.

 

You'll find that removing the header and radiator the AC Condenser has to be removed as well. If your AC system is charged you will be venting R134a in to the atmosphere and, if caught, you will go to jail.

 

A freeze plug on the rear of the engine is leaking. From what I have read the transmission is the only thing that HAS to be removed BUT I have several things that I would like to do and I figured it would be easier to pull both and do them outside the Jeep.
Replace all freeze plugs, oil adapter o-rings, rear bearing seal, and transmission filter.

Due to time constrains I have just about decided to just drop the transmission, replace the rear freeze plugs and call it done. For now.

Also - I have to have a new passenger front floor pan welded in and it would make it easier to seal everything underneath without having to work around the transmission.

 

No need to pull both.

Engine comes out easily as does the trans for what you're wanting to do. Heck, you could just slide the trans back aways.