i'm replacing the blown 3.8 on a 1996 Windstar and going by Autozone.com repair instructions, i take the engine out at the top, leave trans in. Just bought a 1995-2003 Haynes Manual on EBAY and it says engine MUST be taken from bottom with trans. attached. Top or Bottom?? can you please help.

 

Bottom. Detach sub-frame, and raise body of van with vehicle lift.

Ah, but there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Remove the, hood, cowl, cooling fan(s), and radiatior. Then detach engine from transaxle, and remove intake manifold and heads before you pull the engine.

Then remove the heads before you install the other engine. Lot of work. Extra cost of gaskets, head bolts etc... But, that would work.

You could measure the clearence with the cowl, and radiator removed and determine if you can sqeeze by engine detached from the trans, but with the heads still on.

Here's a video of a guy removing the plastic cowl, and gives some indication of the amount of room.


Let us know what you decide/do, and progress updates.

 

Thanks for all the info. I got the cowl off in no time, labeled all my wire harnesses and vacuum hoses was a breeze..then I came across the Fuel Line, Trans Cooler, and A/C Spring Lock Couplings. I have bought 2 different kinds of tools to separate the lines but it has only worked on half and i'm ready to cut the last 3 or 4. is there a trick to getting them to release? I sprayed PB Blast on those suckers to soak overnight. I'm working outside on hard dirt covered with plywood, and got the canopy and tarps out to block the 110 heatwave here in So. Cali. I am gonna go the bottom route to remove the engine. I have a 2 ton floor jack and at least a dozen jack stands + some good beam size wood blocks. I have a "Spa" dolly that has some beefy Swivel Caster Wheels..should I use that or go with the $33 day rental for the engine hoist. Or go buy a tranny jack at Harbor Freight for under $100? Thanks for all your help

 

that power train is heavier than you might think. if you have a strong oak tree close by then you could use a winch or comealong a bunch cheaper than what you mentioned.