How much time in engine removal?

[nicpaige]

For those that don't change these 4.0's out on a regular basis what kind of time does it take to pull a 4.0 out of a Jeep XJ ? Do you pull trans and engine together or separate them?

[SilverXJ]

My first go around probably took a bit less than a full day to get it out. Get the special socket for the bolts on top of the bell housing.

I have never pulled the engine and transmission as one. I just pull the engine. There is just enough room for it o come out with the front header panel in place.

[nicpaige]

Special socket? 12 point?

[SilverXJ]

No, its an e torx socket

[STR8UP8UP]

Good luck getting the socket. Harbor freight stopped stocking them, I had their stock number and they looked it up. Sears or auto parts stores don't either. Get hold of a snap-on dealer or something similar to get the socket. 12 point 3/8, I think it was, feels like it's it but it doesn't hold when you torque on it. I swap the bolt out when reinstalling.

[SilverXJ]

Amazon has them. I got my set years ago at Advance Auto though. I did try other wrenches first.. 12 point, vise grips, etc. Spent about 2 hours trying it that way. Took 5 minutes with the correct socket. Once out I threw them as far as I could.

[nicpaige]

Should be getting my E12 female torx socket in the mail today. Amazon $6.99 delivered.

[amceaglesx4]

It is really tight getting the engine out. Once its loose and disconnected in my xj you have to turn it on a 45 and maneuver it out. Going in is on a weird angle too

[nicpaige]

Yes, it was a bugger to get out. Pulled it with the trans on and almost didn't have enough hoist height. Put it back in separate and was buttoning it up only to find the converter and flywheel wouldn't match up because I ordered the grand cherokee flexplate by mistake. Its all together now so only thing left is to install the Banks exhaust and change out the fuel pump.