Thanks Shep,
I'll try that on installation. I got it out last night. Disconnecting the lower shock mounts and fully loosening the sway bar links on BOTH sides- did the trick by a hair. I don't understand why the Haynes or the Factory service manuals don't mention that. I did manage to get it out the first time w/o doing above but it took 2 hours of twisting, banging, scratching and tugging on transmission lines to do so. The jeep does have "up country suspension" package- maybe that has something to do with it.