When swapping the engine, it’s best (or a must) to remove the front clip? (‘79 F250 460)

from what I’ve read, it’s fairly simple. Otherwise, removing wheels to drop front end, which seems like more work than taking front end off.

 

I've done both. Removing the clip makes engine removal and install so much easier. Removing the clip is not difficult, but is a two man job. I forgot the bolt count, but I think it's less than 16. And you have to disconnect electrical's on both aprons.

 

It really depends on how high your engine crane will go. I have to remove the wheels and lower the jack to where to brake rotors are almost touching the ground. Even then I have barely enough clearance for the oil pan to clear the top of the core support. The ideal situation would be to have a tall gantry crane and a chain hoist, then you would only need to remove the hood.

 

True. A gantry would really make it easy. I still prefer to remove the clip. Bending over the fenders and core support during removal and especially re-install is a pain. With clip and tires off, you can reach everything easily. It's especially easier when trying to line up dowels and clutch splines.

 

It's easier and safer to take the front clip off. I took my engine and trans out with it on and it was a headache. I took it off to reinstall. It was so much easier to get it back in. But its personal preference and how much you want to take apart!

 

Why go through all of that work ? Just take the hood off and pull it right up and out.

 

One Friday after work at 5 I pulled my engine . Tore it apart put in a crank kit , new pistons and rings , gasket kit & painted it And was home by 11 .

Installed it the next morning and plowed the drive with it by the afternoon . Taking off the entire front end is an entire waste of time IMHO .

The radiator support is only a problem when changing the waterpump

 

 

You don't pull the core support mounting bolts. The core support, radiator, aprons, and fenders come off as a unit. The only bolts you need to remove up front are the two body mount bolts. Perhaps you mean those? I've never had difficulty removing or reinstalling those.

 

 

They do get gnarly. Especially the driver's side bolt. I assume because of overflow tank drain. Definitely a Kroil / PB Blaster situation. I've replaced the ones I've done.

 

Or one man and a cherry-picker/engine hoist.

At the point in the picture, I was pulling the hoist back away from the truck to pull the slack out of the chains and straps, and then I would pick up the rear of the clip and move it back to put more slack in the hoist - the purpose of that was to avoid scratching the bottoms of my fenders. Repeat until clear of your working area.

Front clip bolts as I remember were of course the two frame mounts near the radiator, the six bolts and nuts which go through those firewall 'horns.' Then two bolts in the door jambs about halfway between the rocker and the cowl, and lastly the two bolts which secure the bottoms of the fenders to the rockers. So I think it's six bolts on each side.
Then, or first, you need to disconnect all of the wires and hoses which lead to anything which is attached to the inner fenders and rad support - IE voltage regulator, ignition box, windshield washer reservoir ETC.

 

And with the hood attached! Most impressive. I too end up doing most two man tasks by myself.

 

Ain't that the truth