I have an 01 Cherokee and I’m about to remove my engine to get it rebuilt. I know the top two bolts on the transmission are hard to remove but do I need to jack up the transmission? Or can I just attach the engine to a hoist and slowly lift it out and the transmission will be fine?

 

The top 2 bolts arent a pain. I like to remove the motor mounts and drop the engine down. Once you drop it down a bit, those bolts are super easy to get to from the top side. Take those top bolts out first then lift the engine back up. After that, you will need to put a jack on the front of the trans to not let it drop when the engine gets disconnected.

 

ok so remove the two brackets after the engine hoist is installed obviously haha, then use the hoist to lower the engine and remove the bolts?

 

Correct. At that point, you can reach over the engine and get to those 2 bolts with ease.

 

will I know if I’m lowering the engine to low? Don’t want to hear a loud snap haha

 

Assuming automatic transmission, don't forget to unbolt the torque converter from the flexplate and leave it in the front of the trans. When you go to reinstall, make very sure the torque converter is fully seated before bolting the bell housing back up so yuo don't damage the pump in the front of the trans. Also remove the crank position sensor so you don't damage it.

 

The three most important things about pulling an XJ engine, in this order:

1. Take those top bolts out first
2. Take those top bolts out first
3. Take those top bolts out first

If you start pulling out other bolts because they are easy to get to, you WILL regret it.

 

The transfer case will start hitting the body. You don't have to go that low though.

 

Not to HiJack your thought, but please also remember numbers 4 and 5...

4. Take those top bolts out first.
5. Take those top bolts out first.

Mark knows of what he speaks...

 

Yeah, from doing it wrong once recently!