Ok since the epic fail at selling my 88 xjs I am now going to pull one motor and reinstall another from parts car. Has anyone ever pulled a motor and trans from there car looks like a god awful lot of work but I guess im going to do it.got her on the lift and started looking I think they built the car around the motor what a royal pain in the butt this will be.

 

Been there, done that.

It's exactly the same as pulling the motor on any other car except there is lot more 'stuff' to remove, disconnect, label, etc. Slow and methodical is the name of the game. Any attempted shortcuts inevitably end up adding to the frustration, not reducing it.

On my Series III sedan I did the transplant with motor and trans together. Had to remove grille, bumper, radiator, etc. The assembly is then lifted upward and forward through the front of the car.

Depending on your equipment and working logistics it *might* be easier to leave the trans in place.

If you have some more specific questions or concerns I...or many of the others here...can add detail

Cheers
DD

 

ok so I got her up on the lift started to remove the exhaust to gain access to transmission got to looking does the rack and pinion need to come out to clear the trans and motor removal .looks like it would help

 

Perhaps not remove the rack but unbolt it from the mounts and column shaft to let it drop down a bit, but leaving the tie rods connected. That's what I had to do on my Series III; should be the same on the XJS.

Cheers
DD