HELP:

Have to replace the flex plate on my 1991 Explorer,4x4,auto,4litre,any sensible suggestions as to the quickest and easiest way to perform this task would be greatly appreciated, suggestions should include things such as, can it be done from the top through the floor boards ? best way to be done when dropping the tranny ? etc, I have limited tools and facility to do the job.
thanks
tarra

 

To my knowledge, there isn't any kind of removable panel to gain access to the bellhousing. Either the engine has to come out, or the transmission has to come out. I think it would be easier, with limited facilities, to drop the transmission.

Get a manual (Chiltons has a decent description of how to drop a transmission), and go to work.

 

1.Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2.Remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
3.Raise the vehicle and position suitable safety stands.
4.Remove four skid plate bolts and the skid plate.
5.Mark the relationship of the driveshaft centering flanges, rear axle companion flange, and transfer case flange so the driveshaft can be installed in the original position.
6.Remove four bolts retaining the driveshaft centering flange to the rear axle companion flange. Remove four bolts retaining the driveshaft centering flange at the transfer case flange. Remove the rear driveshaft.
7.Mark the front driveshaft at the transfer case yoke and U-joint flange. Remove four bolts retaining the front driveshaft at the transfer case yoke and at the U-joint flange. Remove the front driveshaft.
8.Remove the bolts and nuts from the catalytic converter outlet and muffler inlet. Using mechanics wire, secure the muffler and tailpipe assembly to the vehicle. Remove three nuts from the crossover-to-converter inlet and discoonect the HO2S connector. Disconnect the converter from the hanger and remove it from the vehicle.
9.Disconnect the shift cable from the lever and bracket. Position the cable aside. Disconnect two rear HO2S connectors and the locator.
10.Remove four bolts from the crossover pipe and remove the crossover.
11.Position a drain pan. Disconnect the heat shield from the transmission pan. Remove the transmission pan bolts and drain the transmission. Position the transmission pan and install the bolts, using the original gasket. Connect the heat shield to the pan and remove the drain pan.
12.Remove the ground wire nut at the starter motor and position the wire aside. Remove the starter stud and bolt. Position the starter aside.
13.NOTE: Flexplate-to-converter nuts are not reusable.
Mark the relationship of a converter stud to the flexplate. Rotate the torque converter and remove four flexplate-to-converter nuts. Discard the nuts.
14.Remove one upper right bell housing bolt and the fluid level indicator tube.
15.Disconnect the transmission cooler lines and install protective caps on the lines.
16.Disconnect the vehicle speed (VSS) sensor connector. Remove the nut and the vehicle speed (VSS) sensor. Disconnect the transer case vent tube hose and the shift motor connector.
17.Position a jack stand to support the engine.
18.Position a transmission jack, raise it to the transmission, and secure it with a safety chain or strap.
19.Remove the left and right crossmember bolts and nuts. Remove the transmission mount nuts. Remove the crossmember and slightly lower the transmission.
20.Disconnect both transmission 16-pin connectors at the rear of the left and right cylinder heads. Remove the transmission-to-engine bolts.
21.CAUTION:The torque converter must separate fromt he flexplate and remain seated in the transmission. The transmission must not tip forward, as the torque converter could fall out while lowering the transmission.
Separate the transmission from the engine and carefully lower the transmission from the vehicle.

 

Thanks mrshorty I will let you know how I make out
tarra