I have swapped out numerous motors on 2000 XJ Cherokee's but this will be a first time that Engine, Transmission, and Transfercase all need to be installed and I am trying to decide whether to assemble it first then install, or put the motor in, then add the trans and transfer case.

Anyone have any experience with this? Install Motor vs. Motor/Trans/TC all at once.

I have the front header/grill/lights and hood all off, but still have the winch bumper attached.

This is a true basketcase, got the jeep in parts, adding SYE, header, etc. before reinstalling everything. the only original part will be the transmission.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

I would put them all in at once. Remove the front winch bumper you have and it will be pretty easy.
I recently put a motor in a 94 and separating the engine from the transmission is a pain... reconnecting them is just as bad.
While it's out I recommend you replace the top two torx bolts.

 

MonacaYankee,

Have you put them all in at once? I want to make sure you can get the angle to slip it in.

I installed a 4.0 motor 7-8 times..... but never the whole setup at once.

PS: I have the socket for the torque bolts.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

I personally have not, but I have read about others who have. If I were doing it I would put everything in as a single unit. If I had to I would only take the transfer case off. Do some research and save yourself some time.

And it's torx...

 

My bad spelling, and I knew better.

I tried researching it but was not finding much on the topic.

 

I have installed once with all 3 attached, I had the cross member bolted to tranny and used studs to help line it up, worked quite well . Hard keeping it tilted the right way being so long but it's deff doable.

 

A floor jack under the cross member with the engine hoist holding the engine where ever you strap it. Ya need 2 guys to do it really, one to Guide floor jack one to guide engine hoist!

 

Thanks Sheetz_21, that was what I was looking for a confirmation it can be done by someone that has done it......

Guess I will be doing it by the end of the week.

All the Best,

Bryan

 

I have done this and for the most part it can be done by one person with the right tools. Harbor Freight has an essential tool that levels the engine, but I can't find it on their website yet. It's a bar that attaches to the top of the motor and then hooks to the hoist. It has a crank that allows you to adjust the motor to tilt or level it. I think I did have my header off but not the bumper, but I don't think I really needed to. I think I also used my Harbor Freight transmission jack to help with the final alignment.

Here's sometime similar to what I used:
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...image_8058.jpg

 

Cherockee,

Thanks for the answer, I do have the angle adjust tool for the engine lift in my toolbox, used it once and did not care for it, but don't remember why.

I am going to go ahead and put it in as one piece.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

If you get a chance, take some pics. I'd like to see the angle of approach you have to use.

Thanks!

 

I will try to remember.

NOTE: I am sitting on 33's with like 3" of bastard lift and a lot of cutting.

Bryan

 

I used the angle adjuster and it didn't work for me, was to much weight on one side to level it, hence the floor jack under tranny..lol