Installing Engine

[sg990]

I finally got the engine assembled that I picked up from Bmarco in December, and I am trying to figure the best way to get it in the truck.
A. Remove the transmission and mate them before install
B. Try to drop engine in and mate them up in the truck.
My questions are will the assembly fit without removing the core support? Will a typical engine hoist hold the weight of the transmission and engine assembly?

This truck has all smog so as an assembly would allow me to install most of this in advance along with headers and all the tabs that are sandwiched within.

Removing transmission means draining, removing exhaust, removing driveshaft.

I’ve done it in both ways in the past but not with a transmission this big.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be welcome.

 

[Raymond_B]

You can get over the core support, no need to remove it, BUT you'll need to pull the hood. Also you can leave the trans in and just mate the two. With a stock converter that has studs it's a little harder but can be done, especially if you have an engine tilting device. Just have to go slow.

 

[rusty_408]

in my experience... i've only put the engine in by itself and mated in with the trans in the truck. done it twice in the last couple years on my current truck and 3-4 times on one of my last builds.

You need a 2 ton hoist or bigger. the smaller hoists wont get the engine high enough for the pan to clear the support or reach far enough to set it in (without removing the bumper). get a leveler to tweak the angle as it lowers, cheap ones are fine. angle the front of the motor down and rear up as you get close to lining up the trans dowel pins. Make sure the trans rear mount stays in place but keep it lose so you can jack the front of the trans up (i use a small jack under the bellhousing). slowly angle rear of motor down and front of the trans down until the dowels line up.

 

[oilwell1415]

If the trans is already in the truck I'd leave it there. Autos are pretty easy to line up.

 

[sg990]

Alright, advice taken, I’ll drop it in this weekend and see how it goes. Been dealing with this engine for a year next month so looking forward to finishing it up.
Appreciate everyone’s thoughts.

 

[RPM289]

I put mine in twice once on chain (nightmare) and second with load leveler but had issue of leveler hitting firewall before I could mate up to tranny I used long bolts to start the 2 lower bell housing then moved leveler to slide back into place.

 

[sg990]

I put mine in twice once on chain (nightmare) and second with load leveler but had issue of leveler hitting firewall before I could mate up to tranny I used long bolts to start the 2 lower bell housing then moved leveler to slide back into place.

Yeah, I’m thinking some all thread to get it started.
The trucks lowered so I have to raise the truck for the engine hoist to clear the valance/I-beams so I don’t think I’ll be able to user a leveler and clear the core support. I’ll make sure to have it handy incase I can set it down and rehang it.

 

[Raymond_B]

Yeah, I’m thinking some all thread to get it started.
The trucks lowered so I have to raise the truck for the engine hoist to clear the valance/I-beams so I don’t think I’ll be able to user a leveler and clear the core support. I’ll make sure to have it handy incase I can set it down and rehang it.

You could always lift the trans with a jack, unbolt the crossmember and then roll the trans back. Seat the engine then roll the trans back and mate it up. I did that when I did my black truck solo.

 

[sg990]

You could always lift the trans with a jack, unbolt the crossmember and then roll the trans back. Seat the engine then roll the trans back and mate it up. I did that when I did my black truck solo.

Another good idea, but if I do all that I think I would pull it out and try to hang it all as one assembly.
Lol, I’m dreading the stomach bruises from trying to reach those transmission bolts. I think if I had a lift I would actually try to pull the cab and front end instead of having to reach over. Getting lazy in my old age.

 

[RPM289]

Another good idea, but if I do all that I think I would pull it out and try to hang it all as one assembly.
Lol, I’m dreading the stomach bruises from trying to reach those transmission bolts. I think if I had a lift I would actually try to pull the cab and front end instead of having to reach over. Getting lazy in my old age.

A 3ft extension and a ball flex socket is the best way to go you can go in beside tranny and reach all the bolts pretty easily.

 

[Raymond_B]

A 3ft extension and a ball flex socket is the best way to go you can go in beside tranny and reach all the bolts pretty easily.

Yeah 100%, basically get ALL your extensions and come in from the backside when laying down by the pan. No need to contort yourself

 

[sg990]

Yeah 100%, basically get ALL your extensions and come in from the backside when laying down by the pan. No need to contort yourself

lol, You forgot glasses so I can see the holes from that far away.