I have a 1986 2wd Ranger that I'm looking to replace the clutch and some gaskets on the motor that are starting to leak. Now onto the question...

Is it suggested to remove the engine and transmission all in one piece to replace these parts or do you suggest pulling just the motor and leaving the transmission in place? I usually work on SBC's so the whole ford thing is new to me and I'm not sure which route would be easier. Any suggestions/ walkthroughs etc you have would be appreciated. I have a Haynes manual already but I'd like some real world experience to chime in.

 

If you're doing engine work anyway , Pull them together.
Heck of a lot easier than struggling under the truck.

 

^^^ true. Its usually easier to do them together because the bolts holding the tranny to the engine can be a pain to get out, expecially the top ones.

 

I appreciate the responses, are there any guides or walkthroughs for doing this? I like having references in case I get stuck

 

I'm sure if you looked around someone would have a walkthrough. My bit of advice, when you start doin it, label everything!!! And wheb taking bolts out, put then in ziplock bags and label them. Will save you tons of headache later

 

I'm not worried about losing bolts and such i've been through this a couple of times with the engine removal but the trans is what im worried about more than anything. I'll be doing this on my own so maneuvering will be pretty tricky

 

If its a newer automatic it should be fairly easy. Just unplug all the electronics, the auto shifter linkage, driveshaft, tranny mount and your good to go. For the engine, its disconect all electronics, motor mounts, and everything else holding it in.
If its a manual, disconnect everything mentioned above except itll be manual shifter lnkage instead.
AND if its 4x4, itll be even harder... disconnect front driveshaft, rear driveshaft, disconnect transfer case, drop transfer case, then do tranny stuff... Am I making sense lol. Im tryin to hit all bases.
Im sure someoen can explain better tho...

 

Yeah well today I pulled the motor only and left the transmission and it wasn't too bad. It was awkward getting it back in by myself but it went pretty smoothly. The motor and trans are a lot lighter than what I'm used to working with so it wasn't hard to man handle them into position. All that's left is bolt the starter, radiator, and fan back up and pour in some fluids and I'll be good to go. I probably could have finished it all up today but I decided to get in bed and just toss the rest together in the morning

 

Good job. Iv done a few VW engines and theyre light as can be. We did like you did and just left the tranny in. Once youve done it once, you can do it a hundred times lol.

 

Yeah this was my first Ford but it was pretty straight forward. I had to wait all day for someone to get home so I could get a hand in bleeding the clutch though haha