Is it possible to change a rod bearing by dropping the oil pan while the motor is in my jeep? I've replaced about 5 I6's but I've never really cracked into one. '94 I6 auto

 

4x4 sorry

 

Yes it is.

 

Thank you sir. Will I need to take the crank completely out, or will I be able to turn it by hand? Or do you know?

 

I did it that way on my first XJ, it was a major PITA to get the pan completely out, I don't remember what I did, I had to raise the body to lower the axle or something. I could turn the crank on mine by using the harmonic balancer bolt.

But really, in hindsight, I should have pulled the engine and did all the bearings.

 

You cannot remove the crank without removing the tranny, torque converter, flexplate....

Remove your plugs, tranny in neutral, 19mm socket on the harmonic balancer bolt and turn it clockwise only to rotate the crankshaft.

 

All of the rod and main bearings can be yanked without removing the crankshaft.

 

Thanks guys. I'm 90% sure I spun one of them today, but if I had to pull the motor anyways I was gonna replace the motor. We'll see tomorrow when I drop the pan.

 

Yes, I know this. but when lying under the rig doing all that really sucks. That's what I am getting at.

 

Gotcha...and yes it does suck!

 

If you spun a bearing the chances are good that the rod and crank may be damaged. I see no problem doing an in frame bearing change if they're just simply worn, but if you have a spun bearing it might be a wise choice to pull the engine and have a machine shop check the crank and rods.

 

True story here^^.

 

I'll be getting a new rod, so that won't be an issue. As for the crank, I'll take it to a shop if it turns out to be the rod bearing.

 

im doing the rod bearings in my 2000 cherokee sport, does anyone know what the oil clearance should be with the new bearings? im assuming the bearings shouldnt fit too tightly, its my first time doing a bearing job

 

Get some plasti-gage to check it. Somewhere between .001" and .003".

I'd have to consult my manual.