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Pull front clip?

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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 08:59 PM
  #1  
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Pull front clip?

A rebuild is coming up for this 390.

I also want to go through the front end, as most joints are loose.

I think it needs springs, and one side sits an inch lower than the other.

(If I lube all the fittings, the steering and ride improve dramatically, for a week.)

So should I start by pulling the front clip to make things easier to access?

Or leave the clip in place and just pull the motor?

I have not done these things before and I appreciate any counsel.
 

Last edited by bigoldtruck; Aug 2, 2021 at 09:01 PM. Reason: add something
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:04 PM
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It's worth considering if you're doing that much work. I can have the hood, both fenders- inner fenders and the grille out in no time.

I've never done it just to pull and engine though I don't think that's worth it.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:31 PM
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IMO pulling the front clip beats laying over a fender all day every day. Especially trying to get to the upper trans bolts.

"This may seem out of sequence but before taking your truck apart.... ALIGN THE BODY PANELS! When you're satisfied with gaps and positioning, drill 1/8-inch alignment holes at hood and door hinges, brackets, and at body panel overlaps and flanges. Or sharpie mark them, the door and hood hinges if you are going to pull them.

For example, this is the cowl to inner fender bracket and it is adjustable vertically and horizontally. Therefore two holes are required. The same applies to the hood hinges. Insert the drill bits to index the part and bolt it down... it is EXACTLY where it was before removal.

If you don't like random holes, the hole(s) can be hidden under the washers. I just dab and wipe a lil black RTV to seal it up. Or before pulling the hood or doors, scribe or sharpie the hood hinge position (all the way around) on the underside of the hood. Pulling the doors, scribe or sharpie the hinge placement on the cab, leave the hinges on the doors."

Front clip removal walk thru: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696880

Maybe a double post front clip removal or something I missed the 1st time?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14982711




14 bolts...
 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:33 PM
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Pull the front clip. Its really not that hard. Worst part usually the core support mounts. Couple wire connections and maybe 12 bolts. Makes working on everything so much easier
 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:37 PM
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Right. It is not just about the engine though. I will spend some time getting new springs in both sides.

And whatever ball joints or bushings are down there.

When you take off stuff (grille, fenders, inside fenders, radiator)

do you take off a piece at a time? It will be a slow job anyway so I

am not trying to save every minute. I guess ease of access is important to me.

I haven't taken off the clip but I wonder if it is easier...or more work.

Thanks for your reply.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:43 PM
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78&79 Wow that helps a lot. For taking the clip off do I need to deal with

any body mounts other than the front ones by the radiator?

Also I like the "drill holes for alignment" idea.

 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:46 PM
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77 HOS OK. I have watched some videos where the guy is doing

front end suspension and steering work, and it looks easiest when they have the clip out of the way.

I will do that. Thx.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 10:01 PM
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The drill the hole alignment idea is a fellow FTE members idea. And I learned it AFTER I took the front clip off....IMO just leave the front clip: fenders/grill shell/core support all assembled. Mark the hood with a sharpie/scrib or alignment drill holes and pull it. Drill the inner fenderwell to fire wall (like in the pic).

Follow my walk thru and bam its off. 1st off, MAKE SURE YOU OPEN THE DOORS ALL THE WAY AND TAKE THE ONE PER SIDE BOLT OFF THAT IS BETWEEN THE HINGES, BEFORE you put it in a narrow shop where you can't open the doors far enough. LOL

Core support bushings are the only "body mounts" you have to deal with. Can be rusty and need sawzalled in half. Below the core support, on top of the frame. Repop complete front bushing kits are available. Notice how close the passenger side is to that wall? Back outside for that between the hinges bolt.





It's come along way since that front clip pull for the motor swap.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 11:19 PM
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Old Aug 2, 2021 | 11:24 PM
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Lol it is not supposed to be like that, but it worked out like that. Once the motor and front clip were in and on I folded it back up and secured it with the 2 top bumper bolts.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2021 | 01:04 AM
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I wouldn't do it any other way for pulling everything apart... just the engine is one thing, but for the amount of work you are talking about it sure makes it ten times easier.

I just did this, and yah it was absolutely worth it. Make it easy on yourself... I'm not a youngster anymore, my old *** appreciated it.








 
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Old Aug 3, 2021 | 09:58 AM
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That is beautiful flecker.

Likewise 77&79.

Do I pull the bumper first?
 

Last edited by bigoldtruck; Aug 3, 2021 at 10:05 AM. Reason: add stuff
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Old Aug 3, 2021 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by bigoldtruck
That is beautiful flecker.

Likewise 77&79.

Do I pull the bumper first?
Mine didn't have a bumper on... but yah, it comes off, then the grille. The hood would be my next piece of the truck to get picked off.The fenders unbolt after that (don't forget the little support brackets inside the fenders), then basically unbolt/ undo everything from the inner fenders. After that it's just a matter of unbolting the inner fenders and rad core support.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2021 | 11:41 AM
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Don't forget to mark hood hinges and front clip to cab alignment. It will save you a lot of time in panel alignment when it comes time to put things back together.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2021 | 05:21 PM
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Did mine in one piece with engine hoist by myself, took some time to find balance points. Would have been easier with couple friends.
 
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