Its been a few years since ive been an active member of the forum but i've returned seeking assistance. 2003 TL AWD needing an engine change, recently dropped a big end bearing and i figure the easiest solution is to simply replace the whole thing. i've managed to source a FWD 6G74 which i believe the only real difference is the sump? my current engines sump has been removed for inspection so im thinking i will just swap it over to the new engine once i get that, unless this is uneccesary and only needed when doing a 6G75 swap?

this is my first attempt at an engine change and definately the biggest job i will have performed on my car ever. But im an aircraft technician by trade so dont feel too stressed as long as ive got instructions. ive downloaded the Service manuals and had a read, they seem pretty straight forward and well explained but basically assume its a FWD and ignore AWD pretty much completely. ive read through a few different threads on here for more info but have a few questions still.

the service manual says to remove the transmission along with the engine but apparently this is unnecesary? could someone give me a bit more advice here if possible? from what i read it was basically transfer case off, bellhousing[?] off. remove mounting bolts (engines mounted to transmission?) and lift the whole thing straight up and off? correct? if im missing something could someone either talk me through it or just tell me what section these steps are in the service manual and ill follow that.

also, how many man hours would you tip this too take? as i said ive never gone deeper into my car than basic fluid servicings but spend 9 hours a day crawling over heavy aircraft so should have the basic hand skills to do it, i would hope anyway.

cheers for help guys

add to the above that the engine im buying is coming with aircon pump, aternator etc all connected as far as i know, will it be possible to remove the old engine and install the new engine leaving all of these in place just disconnecting the lines and connectors? It seems simpler but im not sure if anything will get hung up?

How did the bearing go?
No oil or something?

not sure exactly, it was just about due for an oil change but the level was still good. 15,000k had just ticked over so i was going to change the oil over the next couple of weeks, always used penrite 10w-40 full synth since ive owned it. only ~180k so just bad luck i guess. never been driven overly hard, not on track or dragged.

The only diff between the FWD and AWD motor is the small part of the block that has been shaved to allow room for the transfer case. It is only the 75 that needs the modified sump.

not sure exactly, it was just about due for an oil change but the level was still good. 15,000k had just ticked over so i was going to change the oil over the next couple of weeks, always used penrite 10w-40 full synth since ive owned it. only ~180k so just bad luck i guess. never been driven overly hard, not on track or dragged.

How did you know the bearing is gone?
My engine ticks at idle and some of the ticking seems to be from under the car.
Also isn't 15,000km intervals too far apart?

my engines always had a bit of a tick at idle as well, but this is much louder than that. more of a clack, clack, clack. changes with speed and load of the engine but doesnt go away.

good to hear that i shouldnt have to modify to much. im assuming i should be able to see where the block needs a bit of a grind to fit it in? does anyone have any advice more towards the procedural side? advice from someone who has done it before would be massively helpfull