the clip is so darn easy to pull I just can't think of a reason not to pull it to swap motors. it makes it a good bit easier and as others have said, its like 10 bolts. there are, iirc, 3 on each side on the firewall, one on each side on the transmission tunnel where those rubber pieces on the fenders bolt on, there is a bolt or two on each fender, and then the 2 big core support bolts. soak those things real good in penetrating oil before trying to break them loose. a shop vac will help you get the junk off so you can get on the socket good. I like to use a 2 foot extension to get over the core support and use a big breaker bar. You really need to use a 6 point socket as well. You really want them to either come out, which happens sometimes, or break, which happens once in a while. The worst result is when the bolt head rounds off. Then you will have to cut them off. A longer sawzall blade will slide between the core support bushing and the frame. not gonna pretend its easy or fun, but if the core support bolts are **** then they need replaced anyway in the long run. Once you replace the core support bolts you can have that clip off and back on again in under an hour. Its very easy.

 

Man you sure make it sound easy!! I'm sure it won't be as easy as it sounds. But thanks for all the useful tips, I appreciate it big time!

 

I didn't have to remove mine and I have a 6" lift...... But I DID have a fork lift handy! Plus it gives you a place to sit down and work and a place to put down your beer!

Just playing... Do what is easy for you, the front clip is easy to remove but be very careful of the door alignment when you put everything back together, be sure to keep track of the spacers.

 

Hahahahaha thanks Steve! Say how are you attaching to the motor there? I'm trying to figure out how I'm gonna attach to mine.

 

I'm with the ones who say it's so easy to remove why not.



Makes it gravey to pull the motor.



Also makes it easier to clean and paint.





When the motor is ready to pop in....I'll pull it off again.

 

Just using an engine chain kit that can be purchased at any auto parts store for around 30 bucks. Makes things a little bit easier when adjusting the angle of the engine to line up with the bellhousing.

 

Forklift is definitely the way to go, if you have one at your disposal..

That's the method I used when I swapped my engine in.

If you don't happen to have a forklift, removing the front clip is a very simple process, and can be done in about 10 minutes with a couple buddies.

 

There is one good reason not to pull it. That's if you have air conditioning and you don't want to discharge it. You will have to pull the condenser or disconnect the lines and lose refrigerant in order to remove the front clip.

 

Ahh okay, thanks agin Steve, I will diffenay look into that.

 

Personally I don't have a forklift but I may be Abel to borrow a buddy's. I can see how it would come in handy!! If I do get the forklift I am still onna remove the clip anyways. 10 minuets dosent sound to bad! I will be removing it tonight.

 

That is a very good reason not to remove the clip! I don't have ac, I haven't decided of that's a good or a bad thing yet lol!

 

Good luck removing it. Not having a/c is a blessing, IMO. Less stuff to go wrong under the hood, easier to change spark plugs/heater core/etc, cleaner looking engine bay because that GIANT black box isn't there... need I say more?

 

Hahaha that awnseres my question!

 

I'll be the first to admit the AC unit is a PITA when it comes to doing things under the hood but when it hits 90 or 100 degrees and I can roll up my windows and turn on the AC its all good!

Yeah I know, Sorry.

 

I don't know about you, but I don't drive my highboy on a daily basis. That's what I have the explorer, or my F150 for (A/C makes ice crystals in both of those). Also, I say we are still kinda-sorta relevant because we were discussing the A/C in his truck, whether he had it or not, and whether or not it would create a problem while removing the front clip