putting engine back in tips
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC Canada
I replaced my 351 last spring, and had alot of trouble getting the engine and tranny lined up. Biggest issue for me was that I didn't have an adjustable sling on my cherry picker. Made it difficult to change the angle of attack. If you don't have one, they're inexpensive to buy and can probably be rented.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
You didn't tell us what trouble you are having.
Also automatic or manual?
In general... rent a decent cherry picker. Have one or two friends helping. Hopefully you marked all the wires etc and where they reconnect. Make sure you have all the main pieces you need to reinstall such as motor mounts, flex plates/clutch etc, accessory mounts. Thread locking compound as needed. Wipe rags.
THe biggest problem I ever had was lining up the engine with the tranny.
Automatic... be sure to get the pump drive lugs(square ears on aring around the input shaft right at the fac of the tranny) lined up with the drive notches on the torque converter. These must match or you will be 1/4" too long when you try to mate the bell housing to the engine. The TC should slide fairly easily and then kind of clunk in place another 1/4" if you get the drive lugs lined up.
Manual, be sure to get a clutch alignment tool, sometimes a broom stick will work.
In all cases make sure you can reach ALL bellhousing bolts locations before you get too far. Make sure all bolts line up before you tighten up the hard to reach ones.
Get lots of beer for AFTER.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Also automatic or manual?
In general... rent a decent cherry picker. Have one or two friends helping. Hopefully you marked all the wires etc and where they reconnect. Make sure you have all the main pieces you need to reinstall such as motor mounts, flex plates/clutch etc, accessory mounts. Thread locking compound as needed. Wipe rags.
THe biggest problem I ever had was lining up the engine with the tranny.
Automatic... be sure to get the pump drive lugs(square ears on aring around the input shaft right at the fac of the tranny) lined up with the drive notches on the torque converter. These must match or you will be 1/4" too long when you try to mate the bell housing to the engine. The TC should slide fairly easily and then kind of clunk in place another 1/4" if you get the drive lugs lined up.
Manual, be sure to get a clutch alignment tool, sometimes a broom stick will work.
In all cases make sure you can reach ALL bellhousing bolts locations before you get too far. Make sure all bolts line up before you tighten up the hard to reach ones.
Get lots of beer for AFTER.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
