andrewmac

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys,

I'm midway through doing a 1:1 engine swap due to my old engine being toast. Just had a few quick questions..


1) Any tips on removing the passenger side axle? I've taken out the 3 bolts holding it to the bracket but it won't budge. I've applied heat, soaked in a penetrating oil, hit it, pried at it. It refuses to seperate from it's bracket. There doesn't seem to be any spot where it could be pried from the transaxle, I can't get a grip. Here's a picture I found of the bracket for reference: https://i.imgur.com/NppOV.jpg which is holding the axle in, is there any tips on how I could access those top two bolts so I can just rip the whole thing out. At this point I've spent a whole day on it and it felt like a waste.


2) Are there any upgrades I could while I have the thing apart that would be foolish not to do? I'm less worried about the money and more worried about time/complications for install. Are there any easy upgrades I should do while I have the opportunity?


3) The FSM mentions some models have electronically controlled engine mounts. I have a 2001 max, would I have these? I do see a wire or two going into the bottom of the front engine mount, would that mean I have these? What makes them different in terms of removal/installation? If anything..


4) Once I mount the new engine, what is the minimal amount of connections that need be made in order to simply start the engine? If possible I would love to start it up, hear it roar, then shut it off and continue on from there. Just to ensure everything is working thus far before I go through reconnecting everything else.


Thanks in advance for all answers you guys can provide. This site is an invaluable resource.

EDIT: Removed questions I've since found the answer to.

piggylover1985

#1. The right axle usually siezed in the support. I used a big chisel and beat it loose. $55 for a reman if you have to replace it.
2. I think that's a a/c pressure hose you're talking about.
3. When i pulled my motor, i left everything attach to the motor, except the a/c compressor, i didn't want to discharge my a/c, so i left it alone in the car.
4. I wouldn't want to drop it from the car to the ground :-), it can handle a couple of small bumps.
5. I replaced the electronic mount with regular mount before and it works fine.

andrewmac

iTrader: (2)

Chisel.. good idea. I soaked it in a penetrating oil before I left the other day. I'm going back tomorrow and I'll go at it with a chisel.

Is there anything different about removing the electronic motor mounts? Or can I just unbolt them?

piggylover1985

I use a big and long chisel with big hammer to help remove the axle :-), if it f*** up, $50 for a reman with 3/36k warranty.

I took the cross member down with both front and rear mount in 1 shot. You can just unbolt the mounts, not thing big.