Hey y'all, first time posting on this site because I need some help! Anyways, I need to replace my starter on an 03 3.0. I have taken off the 3 bolts and the 2 connectors but the thing wont budge! I've tried wiggling it and using a hammer but it is stuck! Also, it looks like it might be attached to the transmission housing cover? Please let me know if I just need to hit it harder or anything that might be useful. Thanks y'all!

 

I'm not familiar with the 3.0L, but my 4.0L has at least one bolt that goes through the bellhousing and threads into the starter housing...

You may need to pull a bellhousing to engine block bolt out.

If the starter pinion is in the "out-n-rotation" position, you may need to hook the electrical back up and kick the starter with the key to loosen her up.

 

You have to wiggle it left and right and pull. if it doesnt work, do as suggested above and give it a quick crank.

My old 99 3.0 starter was easy to replace but if you can't get it, I'll take a double check in the workshop manual.

 

i have an 03 with a 3.0. as long as you have the 3 mount bolts out. i would recommend you whack the snot out of it. its a rather heavy starter so you might have to pry up and down to wiggle it out. i've had mine in and out several times this past month due to rebuild.

 

Thanks yall for the suggestions! I am going to feel real dumb saying this but I actually removed the wrong top bolt.. The correct one was hidden under dirt. Anywho, right when I took the correct one out, she just fell right out!