Hey all,

Tomorrow is the day I dropping in my first build, H.O. 302. It's going into my 89' F-150 4x4, M5R2, BW T-case.

Last night I set in the replacement M5R2, meaning the tail mount is loosely in place over the support member and the front is hanging by ratchet straps between the frame rails. Transfer case is not hooked up, its also tied up with straps still connected to the axles.

The big question for me is what is the best way to get everything in and lined up? Not sure if I should just drop in the engine as it is or take out the tranny, connect to block, then go in that way? (My tranny crossmember bolts are almost seized, I doubt I can remove it.

Also, I currently have a set of Pacesetter long-tubes hooked up to the donot motor if that makes a difference.

I plan n hoisting up the motor with a towing chain and using only 2 thermactor bolts (one in each head), is this OK?





Thanks guys!
Old 302




Removed




Engine bay all cleaned up, new tranny in place




The donor

 

The motor won't go in with those headers attached so they will have to come off, then you can bolt the factory hoist brackets on the new engine to install it in the truck.

Mating a manual trans to the engine is often a royal pain so it would be better done before install but then the trans cross member has to come out so you can pivot the assembly into the engine bay.

 

That's kind if what I thought...

After work I'll take another rack at the crossmember and remove the headers.

If I CAN'T get the cross member off, you think I could remove the front upper clip (I think thats what it's called) and slide it straight in?

 

The rad support(the part the hood latch is mounted on) can come off.. unbolt from the fenders and the frame and it'll be out of the way.