Pulling motor question

[Asshat]

Just wondering how you guys do this, with the head still on or removed. I just could not get enough lift with this engine hoist. Had to remove the head to lift the motor high enough to roll the truck back.
Was hoping I could put the entire motor together before I dropped it back in, but I don’t think that’s going to work. Would be even better if I could bolt the trans up to it too, and drop everything together.

[Steeveedee]

You could let the air out of the front tires, or take the front tire and wheel assemblies off and put the suspension on blocks, like 2 by 4s, at the lowest (safe) point.

[62bagger]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

You could let the air out of the front tires, or take the front tire and wheel assemblies off and put the suspension on blocks, like 2 by 4s, at the lowest (safe) point.

I helped a buddy with a square body using this method and it gave us enough to get the motor and trans in.

[Asshat]

A little bit of vintage restoration...

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by 62bagger

I helped a buddy with a square body using this method and it gave us enough to get the motor and trans in.

I put a 305 V-8 in a '72 Chevy Vega many years ago. I took the hood off, and four of us used a steel bar to lift the engine off the ground and set it in the engine compartment...NO hoist. I had already removed the front tire and wheel assemblies and set the lower a-arms on 2 by 4s. We damned near lost it, because the guys on one side were a little weaker, and the chain started to slide on the lifting bar. Good times!

[Asshat]

Well, at least it’s back in. Not too difficult, even by yourself.

[The Rocknrod]

Or you could take the front end off.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Or you could take the front end off.

I didn't want to scare him off! It's easier at the factory, because the frame is less body.

Asshat (need a real name here, buddy!) did you remove the hood?

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I didn't want to scare him off! It's easier at the factory, because the frame is less body.

Asshat (need a real name here, buddy!) did you remove the hood?

Yes, hood is removed.

BTW, my name is George.

[slorio]

Easiest way is to pull front end from firewall forward. I believe it is 12 bolts if you do it this way.
Regards
Steve
New Orleans

[jayoldschool]

If you have ALMOST enough lift, just take the wheels off and set the truck on the ground.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Asshat

Yes, hood is removed.

BTW, my name is George.

Pleased to meet you, George!

~Steven

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Or you could take the front end off.

So, I can remove the from section with pulling the fenders?

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Asshat

So, I can remove the from section with pulling the fenders?

I'm wondering if I should go through the trouble of removing the front, so I don't have to go through the trouble of installing the tranny from the bottom. Then again, I'm not sure if my hoist will even clear the front body with the head on the motor. Another thing, I don't want to have to install the head on the block with the motor in the truck.

Only way to do this would be to buy a bigger engine hoist. Damn!

Anyone know what the weight of the motor is with the tranny?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Did you have the boom on the hoist extended all the way out? It will sometimes add more lift. As long as you don't exceed the weight limit.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Did you have the boom on the hoist extended all the way out? It will sometimes add more lift. As long as you don't exceed the weight limit.

Yes.
Maybe I need a better hoist.

[cwcarpenter98]

You might be able to gain some extra height if the chain for your hook is bolted in as high up as you can get it to the hoist. I had to do that on my Dakota when the hoist was hitting the top of the garage door frame and the oil pan wasn't clearing the core support.

Also, try to use as short of a chain as possible (without damaging any critical components) to connect from the hook to the engine

[geezer#99]

Motor and trans maybe 700 lbs.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Motor and trans maybe 700 lbs.

OK - Thanks.

After looking at it, I think my hoist will get the motor over the body, even with the head installed. However, I don't know if I could get the motor AND tranny over the body, cuz I don't think the boom is long enough.

Well, worst case, I'll just install the tranny the old-fashioned way.

[geezer#99]

Helped a guy once put a 235 in his 56 truck. Couldn’t lift it high enough due to low ceiling height in his little garage. Dropped the front down by bleeding all the air out of the tires.
Couldn’t roll it outside as there was 3 feet of snow by the door.
We layed the motor and trans down flat on the floor on the drivers side. Picked it up flat like that. Cleared the sheet metal and barely missed the roof. Set it gently down in the engine bay On blocks. Adjusted the chains and uprighted it gently into position. Worked like a charm.
Sometimes you gotta think outside the box!

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Helped a guy once put a 235 in his 56 truck. Couldn’t lift it high enough due to low ceiling height in his little garage. Dropped the front down by bleeding all the air out of the tires.
Couldn’t roll it outside as there was 3 feet of snow by the door.
We layed the motor and trans down flat on the floor on the drivers side. Picked it up flat like that. Cleared the sheet metal and barely missed the roof. Set it gently down in the engine bay On blocks. Adjusted the chains and uprighted it gently into position. Worked like a charm.
Sometimes you gotta think outside the box!

You're right!
Guess I'll just have to get it all assembled and hoist it up. No guts, no glory!

[geezer#99]

Be careful.
You get that much weight up high it wants to tip over.
You got a pic of your hoist?

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Be careful.
You get that much weight up high it wants to tip over.
You got a pic of your hoist?

I think it’s a 2-ton hoist.

[geezer#99]

Should be plenty big enough.

[The Rocknrod]

I had a custom GMC panel once (see sig) and removed the engine for a re-cleanup. It was nerve racking. Just remember - 2 tons with the arm retracted, should have numbers on the tube for weights. Hey it's been done by many before so...
"You can do it Luke"