I'm replacing the engine in my 2000 2wd Xterra. Does anyone know if it's possible to pull the engine while leaving the tranny (automatic) in the car? I've been under the vehicle and it looks like it may be impossible to access all the bell housing bolts. Guess I'll go buy a Chiltons

TIA,

Mark

I have pulled the transmission and re-installed it with the engine in place. The bolts are not fun but you can get them out. Make sure you mark them all because there are 3 different lengths and they go in specific places!

WARNING! Make sure you pull the crank position sensor off of the top of the bellhousing before moving anything! It's only a $22 part if you ruin it but it will make it very difficult to get the transmission separated from the engine if you wedge the sensor body in there!

Excellent. Thanks Onlyonedr! We'll see how it goes. I'll post my results.

M

I ended up pulling the engine and tranny together. We just couldn't get to the top tranny/bell housing bolts. It took me and a buddy about 5 hours to get it out. That didn't include me spending about 4 hours yesterday disconnecting all wiring, hoses, etc.

All in all it wasn't bad but is a hell of a lot harder than my 91 SE-R

When I removed my transmission I had the advantage of the crossmember being out of the way, so I could tip the whole assembly towards the ground and get more clearance.

Glad you got it out! What happened to the engine anyway, and are you parting it out?

why you replaceing the engine - just wondering?