2000 4.0--I am having a hard time getting the lower bolts out of the manifolds--the ones toward the rear. Is there a trick or particular wrench/tool that will make it easier? Thanks.

You need a universal socket. The ones that articulate in any direction. Pretty much only way I've found to get them out.

I've gotten them with normal stuff. Memory is vague, but that back one, I think I needed to fish just the extension and socket in there on the bolt first, then plug the ratchet head onto the extension. Silly question, you did remove the air cleaner I hope.

i second the normal tools. extension length is key. i think i recall using a ratcheting wrench on most of those bolts.

I think I got that one from underneath, IIRC.

thanks for all the input...yes air cleaner is removed....and I am going to the store to get a ratcheting 14mm tomorrow. I will also take a look from underneath to see if that helps with the last one.

Best bet is as mentioned: using a swivel with an extension. It's exactly what I did and worked fine. Use similar for the torque wrench. The swivel will throw the torque value off a little, but I just gave it a few extra foot pounds of love (10-15). Been holding up for years. Good luck!

As mentioned extension length is key. They are accessible. I usually throw in studs after a manifold removal reusing the stock convex washers.

Just wanted to post how I removed the 2 lower bolts towards the back of the engine. I removed the idler pulley bracket for more room, put a wrench on the bolts, then used the butt end of a hammer to push the wrench and break them loose. Once they were broken loose I was able to use the wrench with my hand. I just could not get enough torque on the wrench with my bare hands to break them loose because my arm was extended too far. I also tried from underneath using a swivel head with extensions and a ratchet. It just didn't seem like I was getting the correct angle, and getting a good bite on the bolt head. I was afraid I was going to round off the bolt head.

Those bolts were a pain in the butt to get out and back in. I accomplished this by using difference extensions, bought a 3 pack of different lengths to ensure I wouldnt have to make frequent trips to Home Depot if I had the wrong size.

I got lucky with mine. All of them were not on so tight that I couldn't get it off with a 14mm wrench. I had a hard time with the ratchet so I just didn't use it. Good luck fellow previous head crack owner. Mine's starting to look like a complete engine again after getting the intake back on.