I was hoping to install my motor and tranny as one unit but I cannot raise my cherry picker high enough to clear the front end. I am inside my garage and if I move the truck outside to do this I will not be able to move the truck back in as my driveway is on a steep grade. I was thinking of just removing the front end to do this. Any pointers on where I should start? I can't leave my truck outside because my HOA considers it an abandoned vehicle and I've already been warned about it. Thanks in advance, Alex
You can pull the front clip off as one unit. May need to remove the bumper and tires (to clear the inner fenders) as well, but after that there are only 6 bolts: 2 body mounts and 2 on each fender. I made sure to mark each fender bolt and kept them with their spacers. There are also some small panels on the bottom corners of the cab. My brother and I were able to lift and maneuver mine around the front of the truck even though my truck barely fit in the garage. If you don't have anyone to help you, then you can pull just the core support, but its a bigger PITA to remove by itself.
I agree with taking the front clip off. Going the other route and removing only the radiator support would leave alot of weight hanging on the six bolts remaining. Another option would be, with help, and after marking bolt location, remove the hood, remove the inner fender wells, then remove the core support. This way only the fender weight is hanging off the cab. BUT be careful not run into or bump the fenders.
Thanks for the tip guys, I think I'll probably remove the whole front clip. If I stand in my driveway and crack open a beer that sound will usually get a neighbor or two outside to help me move the front clip off. Thanks again!!
You still might want to take the front tires off, and support the frame at a low distance that you can move you picker but will let you picker get more hight when needed by taken off the tires. ( make sure you block the wheels all the way around. now you might have to drop the rear too if your truck is got a lift or Big tires.) and watch out for the brake boster area and the fire wall that you do not break soming off when lifting motor and trans they like get away some time or turn when watching a diferent spot when you got it bang take your time help great at that point.
Good call on the taking my time thing. I plan on doing that. There was a guy in the local news that was pulling the motor and tranny from his truck and didn't chock the wheels before he removed the drive shaft. Bad thing is the truck rolled on top of him, good news is a neighbor came out shortly after and saw him and called 911. Thanks again everyone for allthe great info!
no brainer....?maybe... im not sure but wouldnt it be easier to deflate the front tires and pull the pan off the motor?...if not, pullin the fr. clip is the only way i see. g.t.
Maybe, but pulling off the front clip kind of goes along with my next project anyway, which is doing a front end tilt. I need to figure where I will mount my battery and relocate some of the wiring. I also probably will have to thinkabout making a frame away from my core support to hold my radiator.
That's a much better idea than I had. I was thinking about mounting on the frane before. I've seen that link before plus a few others. I'mplanning to have my engine this weekend and most of the tilt front end done. I appreciate all the input. Talk to you guys soon. Thanks!!
I've seen a kit to mount a battery tray under the bed on the passenger side. I think it is made by CPP. http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DDBT059
