Engine removal question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 19, 2011 | 09:03 PM

jgavac

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,339

Likes: 32

From: Lost In a Pit of Despair

Engine removal question

I am about to remove the 460 from my '79, and according to my Hayes manual, I have to remove the engine and transmission separately. But as hard as I try, I can't reach the upper bell housing bolts to remove them. Can I remove the transmission and engine as one unit? And what extra steps would I have to take to release the transmission?

Apr 19, 2011 | 09:33 PM

DL1221

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 106

Likes: 0

From: Los Angeles, CA

You can reach the two top bellhousing bolts from under the hood. Climb over the engine and use a 5/8-inch box wrench. If too tight, hit the wrench with a small sledge hammer. Plenty of room to take the bolts out. Much easier to take the engine out by itself.

Apr 19, 2011 | 10:08 PM

crazed87bronco

Logistics Pro

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 4,371

Likes: 7

From: PA

I would remove the engine as itself and not with the transmission if you can't reach the top 2 bellhousing bolts from under the truck or from engine bay try removing the transmission isolator mount between the underside of trans and trans crossmember or remove crossmember and put a jack under it and tilt it back until you can reach it

Apr 19, 2011 | 10:56 PM

calshamus

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

From: Granite Bay, CA

It depends on your cherry picker. If it can hold the weight then yes you can pull them as one unit. Done it many times. Make sure you drain the trans as it will leak out of the tail.

Usually the best way to get the top bolts on the bell housing is to remove the hood and get them from up top.

You have to remove the hood anyway - be sure tape around where its mounted now to the hood so you know where it's aligned when you reinstall it.

Apr 21, 2011 | 05:53 PM

jgavac

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,339

Likes: 32

From: Lost In a Pit of Despair

After a bit of crawling and squirming, I got over the engine (With the hood still on

) and was able to pull the bolts out. Being young has it's benefits

Apr 21, 2011 | 06:22 PM

bucks77ford

Post Fiend

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 5,037

Likes: 9

From: Kasson, Minnesota

Of course my truck is lifted a bit, but if I ever pull my motor out, I'm definitely going to pull my front clip off first. Makes a huge difference just a little more time is all.