Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Front Clip Removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 08:41 AM
  #1  
2002fx4122's Avatar
2002fx4122
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Front Clip Removal

I have a 1977 f150 4x4 that ive been working on here and there over the last year and half and i picked up a 1973 460 and had it bored .030 over with cam, intake, and headers but its not quite done because im waiting on backordered parts. But i was thinking once i get the engine together it would be easier to install the engine and tranny together but i need to know how hard it is to take off and install the front clip. Also i bought this stuff called Rust Seal from a company called KBS coatings to coat the frame while the clip is off
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 09:17 AM
  #2  
Witty73's Avatar
Witty73
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 746
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Club FTE Silver Member

The most difficult part of removing the front clip in my opinion is getting the radiator support bolts out. Usually they are rusted into the mounts and will not come loose.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 11:30 AM
  #3  
Customcab's Avatar
Customcab
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 8
From: Clarksville,Tn
I agree with Witty on radaitor support. I recommend pulling / drain radiator, unplug wiring harness from firewall, disconnect & remove battery; reomve hood from hinges; (Leave Hinges bolt ed to inner fenders. Remove the three per side bolts that connect inner fenders to cowl, reomve bolts in door post and under rear lip of fender near sill plate area; remove nuts from fire wall to inner fender straps; disconnect hanger that holds either the speedo & E-brake cables from inner fender.
I prolly forgot one or two areas; but hope this helps.
In my opinion its the best way to install a motor & tranny with the front clip removed.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 11:35 AM
  #4  
2002fx4122's Avatar
2002fx4122
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
i should have mentioned the old 400 is already pulled out so the radiator and hood are off, and all the wires are disconnected because i was re wiring somethings. i just need to know where the bolts are to remove besides the ones on the frame
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 11:46 AM
  #5  
bucks77ford's Avatar
bucks77ford
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
You'll have 3 bolts up by the cowl that hold the bracket for the inner fenders and then one screw on the underside of the fender that holds a rubber brace. Once you have removed those along with the radiator support bolts, the front clip should lift off in one piece. It does save alot of time not having to remove each fender and inner fender.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 12:17 PM
  #6  
2002fx4122's Avatar
2002fx4122
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bucks77ford
You'll have 3 bolts up by the cowl that hold the bracket for the inner fenders and then one screw on the underside of the fender that holds a rubber brace. Once you have removed those along with the radiator support bolts, the front clip should lift off in one piece. It does save alot of time not having to remove each fender and inner fender.
i see all the bolts your describing but the 1 screw under the fender, do i have to take the inner fender off to get to it? also how hard is it to install the front clip, do you have to align it or is there only one position it can go in
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 03:36 PM
  #7  
78longbed's Avatar
78longbed
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
If you are refering to the bolt inside the fender (not the rubber strap) you have to open the doors and reach in between the hinges to get to that bolt. You have to check/re-align your door gaps and make sure the hood closes properly. The most problem that I had was getting the rear of the fenders to clear my front tires while lifting off the clip. It is easier to pull or install an engine with the front clip off. You will need some help lifting it.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sammie0126
Excursion - King of SUVs
65
Sep 20, 2021 09:54 PM
CharlieLed
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Nov 23, 2014 09:51 PM
OFLM
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Jun 17, 2014 07:41 PM
khakushia
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
21
Jan 26, 2012 06:04 PM
tlk50
Paint & Bodywork
8
Mar 14, 2009 11:22 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:23 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE