Moving engine +/-???

[JMac11]

Someone mentioned moving engine forward to simplify the overdrive tranny install in 4wd. ANyone done this yet? how did it affect driving and stopping, if at all??? Drag race experience, we always moved them back as far as possible.

[BobbyK]

I moved my eng and crosmember forward when I put in the 700R4.
No downside noted for me.
Front diff punkin doesn't hit the crossmember and the handleing and braking was not affected...at least not for me.

[69k5]

how far did you move it?

[JMac11]

If I follow:

1) Remove old tranny, support engine, remove engine cradle bolts, move engine slightly forward.

2) Mate tranny to engine, the tranny to transfer case.

3) Check for proper alignment, drill new engine cradle bolt holes.

This all hinges on your exhaust being changed/ lengthened, and enough fan clearance, heater and AC hoses having enough adjustment. Probably having your fenders and hood off would make it easier. Little help from someone that has done it?

[BobbyK]

Something like 1"7/8" or 1"5/8" Can't remember the exact amount is.
Well a 700R4 is 23"3/8" long from bell houseing to 4wd end and a TH350 is 21"5/8" ( demensions taken from TCI's site)
http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/trans_dims.htm

so that's a difference of 2"1/4"

[BobbyK]

That's what I did.
Trans and T-case were out.
I suporrted the rear of the eng and moved the crossmember forward with a BFH.
joined theEng, 700R4 and T-case together the trans/t-case to the loose trans crossmember.Then moved things around untill the trans crossmember lined up to it's orig. holes.
Once the was fastened I drilled new holes for the eng. crossmember.I think 1 or 2 of the holes lined up but the rest needed to be drilled.

Drilling the new holes for the eng. crossmember is MUCH easier without the eng. in place.

[raycn66]

I installed a tall deck block in my 68 Chev. truck, 2wd. It required me to pull the engine forward approximately 1" so the valve covers and distributor fit a bit better without altering the firewall. My exhaust needed to be moved forward to match up to headers and the trans cross member needed jostling a bit. Non of it was difficult ( although I was able to bolt my headers to the exhaust pipes/flange it was in a bind so I had the exhaust pipe extended slightly where it bolts to the header so the exhaust pipe flange would connect to the headers without binding. Moving the engine forward has not affected the handling or stopping of the vehicle. It handles nicely. Don't know if this helps; just wanted to share what I have experienced, good luck

[nvrforgotten52]

i had to move my motor mounts and cross member forward too when i put in the 700r4 in my 69. i didnt have any problems and it wasnt very difficult.
david