need engine removal help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 2
From: Huntingburg Indiana
need engine removal help
I have a 71 with a 350 and 4 speed. I am currently working on pulling the engine. I was wondering if it was possible to pull the engine and trans as a unit. If this is possible what all do I need to remove? Do I need to remove the radiator support or is it structural in holding the front end solid? It seems that the trans has to be moved forward anyway to clear the trans mount. They both need to come out anyway because I am rebuilding the engine and transmission. Can you guys help me out? I have worked on my 4x4 alot, but it's a lot different than a vette. Thanks a lot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Remove hood
disconnect battery
drain all fluids from engine and trans. if it has a drain plug
remove all engine wiring (starter, ignition, choke, sending units, etc.)
remove all hoses, remove fan blade
remove water pump, w/p pulley and crank pulley
disconnect exhaust pipes at manifolds
disconnect driveshaft at trans.
disconnect shifter linkage, remove shifter
remove/disconnect clutch rod at clutch fork
remove speedo. cable at trans.
remove dist. cap and wires
remove motor mount thru bolts
attach lifting sling, hook at front to lift front more than level
put floor jack under trans. case to support it
hoist engine out, have a second person guide the trans. out of the tunnel.
It will clear radiator support, but it will be close...G/L
disconnect battery
drain all fluids from engine and trans. if it has a drain plug
remove all engine wiring (starter, ignition, choke, sending units, etc.)
remove all hoses, remove fan blade
remove water pump, w/p pulley and crank pulley
disconnect exhaust pipes at manifolds
disconnect driveshaft at trans.
disconnect shifter linkage, remove shifter
remove/disconnect clutch rod at clutch fork
remove speedo. cable at trans.
remove dist. cap and wires
remove motor mount thru bolts
attach lifting sling, hook at front to lift front more than level
put floor jack under trans. case to support it
hoist engine out, have a second person guide the trans. out of the tunnel.
It will clear radiator support, but it will be close...G/L
Last edited by big_G; Mar 17, 2006 at 09:04 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 453
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
I just removed the engine and transmission from my 78 so I might be of some help to you. My 350ci and TH350 automatic came out together without having to remove the radiator support. I removed the radiator, fan, a/c (set to the side) and any brackets coming off the manifold that stick out, alternator, power steering pump, wires to the starter and the ground. I removed all other obvious things for the engine to come out.
For the transmission I used a crows foot to loosen the tranny fluid lines, took off the linkage that mounted to the pan, removed the speedometer cable from the tailshaft, removed yoke to driveshaft, etc. There was a piece of my crossmember that was removable to allow the transmission to fall down without having to pull it very far forward. I'm sort of unclear on what the kicker is with the different crossmembers here, depending on what you have you might have to remove the support or something to get more room.
You need a good engine lift and a load leveler. I did what others of the forum have done and removed the front wheel (in my case passenger side) with a jack stand under the a-arm and you can slide the lift right up in there.
You can also do a search and will pull up a few threads on the topic (some with pictures) that might clear things up a bit.
GL
For the transmission I used a crows foot to loosen the tranny fluid lines, took off the linkage that mounted to the pan, removed the speedometer cable from the tailshaft, removed yoke to driveshaft, etc. There was a piece of my crossmember that was removable to allow the transmission to fall down without having to pull it very far forward. I'm sort of unclear on what the kicker is with the different crossmembers here, depending on what you have you might have to remove the support or something to get more room.
You need a good engine lift and a load leveler. I did what others of the forum have done and removed the front wheel (in my case passenger side) with a jack stand under the a-arm and you can slide the lift right up in there.
You can also do a search and will pull up a few threads on the topic (some with pictures) that might clear things up a bit.
GL
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Lurkerville
When I pulled mine I removed front tire and pulled from the side. You may have to do this if your hoist isnt long enough to reach from the front. Also I "HIGHLY" recommend a load leveler, makes life 100% easier trying to get the engine out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Originally Posted by My White 79
When I pulled mine I removed front tire and pulled from the side. You may have to do this if your hoist isnt long enough to reach from the front. Also I "HIGHLY" recommend a load leveler, makes life 100% easier trying to get the engine out.
This is what I did on my 1980, worked well. The load leveler is HIGHLY recommended.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 2
From: Huntingburg Indiana
Well my brother and I pulled the engine today. It wasn't too bad. I do think I am going to remove the radiator support when I put the engine back in. It's pretty close.
