Engine Installation: Should I Remove the Radiator Core Support?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Down in Texas
Engine Installation: Should I Remove the Radiator Core Support?
Hey guys,
Well, it's been a long time since I've snooped around the FTE Forums. Recently, my dad, brother, and I have pulled the 300 out of my 79 F100, had the motor machined, magnafluxed, and all that fun stuff. We rebuilt it, and are nearing the point where the engine is ready to be re-installed in the pickup. What I am asking y'all is, what is the easiest way to put the motor back into the truck? I am considering removing the front of the truck (grille shell, bumper, radiator support, etc.) in order to put the engine in; when the engine was removed, we had to hoist it up and over the front of the truck, which, in my opinion, wasn't the safest way possible. Also, if removing the radiator support is the best choice for reinstallation, what other parts must be removed (fenders, etc.)? I would go out and look at the truck myself, only it's 80 miles away right now.
Thanks guys,
Scott
Well, it's been a long time since I've snooped around the FTE Forums. Recently, my dad, brother, and I have pulled the 300 out of my 79 F100, had the motor machined, magnafluxed, and all that fun stuff. We rebuilt it, and are nearing the point where the engine is ready to be re-installed in the pickup. What I am asking y'all is, what is the easiest way to put the motor back into the truck? I am considering removing the front of the truck (grille shell, bumper, radiator support, etc.) in order to put the engine in; when the engine was removed, we had to hoist it up and over the front of the truck, which, in my opinion, wasn't the safest way possible. Also, if removing the radiator support is the best choice for reinstallation, what other parts must be removed (fenders, etc.)? I would go out and look at the truck myself, only it's 80 miles away right now.
Thanks guys,
Scott
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
It's easier to remove the whole front clip. Unbolt the fender well support from the cab, the fender bolts to the cab, the rubber splash shield, and fender well rubber mount, the two radiator support bolts, unplug the wires and it's out.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
I second the front clip removal. I just did this on my F350, much easier than I thought, although I did have to twist off one of the core (radiator) support bolts as mine were past due for replacement and toast. Two people can carry the front clip easy.
It's nice to not have to worry about lifting the engine that high, not even sure my hoist would have done the job, even stock the truck is a bit tall. Nothing beats not having to stand on your head and with my truck there is no room to climb up in the engine compartment.
You can take the bumper off for walk in access too.
It's nice to not have to worry about lifting the engine that high, not even sure my hoist would have done the job, even stock the truck is a bit tall. Nothing beats not having to stand on your head and with my truck there is no room to climb up in the engine compartment.
You can take the bumper off for walk in access too.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Do to having a low ceiling in my garage i do remove the hood ,bumper , grill and core support . I push the fenders off to one side to get the core support out. If i had somebody to help me and had the extra room i would lift the front clip off all together. I do like keeping everything low as far as lifting and it doesn't take a lot of time to get things out of the way .
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 32
I agree it is easy removing the entire clip, but i much prefer pulling the hood and radiator only.. then again I have always been lucky to have access too a 13' barn truss and a 3000lb chain hoist.. it probably doesn't take 45 minutes to pull the clip so the argument between safety as far as how high you have to lift the motor and the few extra bolts to pull the clip makes snatching the clip more desireable.. either way good luck!
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Down in Texas
Y'all are all confirming what I thought; the safest way is to remove the entire front clip. Last week, my dad purchased a brand new 2-ton engine hoist, so we should be ready to go there. Last question: if I pull the radiator support, the fenders must come off too, yes? Like I said earlier, the truck's eighty miles away, so I cannot just go check it myself.
Thanks guys,
Scott
Thanks guys,
Scott
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
From: Ashland, KY
You can leave the fenders on and take the radiator support off. Just depends on how much room you want while install your motor.
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