How to remove the factory truck wiring?

[jrblanke]

Hey guys,

I was hesitant to post this, because perhaps I just need to spend some more time looking at the wiring diagrams while sitting in the engine compartment. But I’ll go ahead and post to get your thoughts.
I have a few questions about removing the factory chevy wiring. Specifically the method by which you removed your old wiring. My truck is a 1984 2wd model, and it will be getting a 2006 5.3/4L60 with a BP automotive standalone harness (which I already have).

Here are my questions:
1. Does anyone have a list of wires that can be eliminated?
2. When removing the wires, did you cut them at the firewall connector, or can they be removed completely from the connector?
3. How do I physically remove them from the truck without causing a problem? (I'm thinking about shorts, and damaging the connector).
4. Did anyone install the motor and get it hooked up first, before e4iminating wires?

I am using the wiring diagrams from 73-87chevytrucks.com.

My fear is cutting something that I will need later, or cutting the wrong wire and then having to chase down something not working.

The headlights and front end harness was easy to isolate. Also the power wires, starter, and alternator were easy to find and isolate as well. The other wires for sensors, gauges, air conditioning and transmission were a little tougher for me to discern.

Like I said in the beginning, perhaps I just need to spend some more time with the wiring (new and old) to get a better understanding of what goes where and does what.