I am replacing my old 2000 Xterra engine with a lower mileage one. I have swapped engines before, but only on manual tranny's. My Hayes manual is a bit fuzzy on separating the trans from the engine. Do I need to pull the starter and remove the bolts that connect the drive plate to the torque convertor? Or can I just remove the engine to tran bolts and pull the engine out?
Thanks!

There is an Access plate on the drivers side of the truck its a gold color plate 2 bolts go to the motor/block 2 bolts to the transmission housing remove cover Then there are 4 bolts that hold the tourq converter on to the flywheel that need to be removed.

OK, I just looked and I see it. But this is a 4 wheel drive so the front axle blocks access. How do I get around that?

You may end up having to drop the front diff I do not think you can reach the bolts threw the Starter hole maybe someone else can chime in here with more experiance