04, Disco2, 4.6
I pulled the engine weeks ago.
Removed the heads while the engine was still in the truck.
Removed motor mounts, lowered engine, easy to get to the top 4 transmission bolts.
I got the block and crank back from the machine shop, and I'm about to start reassembling the engine.
My question is; If I put the heads, valve covers, and lower intake on, while the engine is on the stand/ before I put it back in the truck, am I shooting myself in the foot?
Will the valve covers hit the firewall/cowl overhang while I lower the engine back in? (I do have a load leveler, and it would've been hard to get the short block out without it).
Will it be hard to access the top 4 transmission bolts with heads, valve covers, and lower intake on?
I can put the heads on once the short block is bolted back up, if need be.
Otherwise, I'de like to put the heads, valve covers, lower intake on in my garage...where it's warm.
Has anyone reinstalled a 4.6 in a D2 this way?
Easier going back in with heads off?
Any advice?
Thanks

 

everything but upper intake can go on pre install.

 

Excellent!
Thank you sir!

 

Line up to the transmission and then leave the motor mounts off so you can lower it to fasten the top bolts and then raise it and attach the motor mounts. Way easier than trying to assemble the top of the motor in the engine bay.

 

I’ll be removing my 04’s 4.6L soon and installing the overhauled 4.6L I just finished putting back together last weekend. I was going to replace the rings & lower bearings, but once I got the surface rust out of the cylinders that sat exposed to the air I figured I’d save the rings and bearings for the 4.6L I’ll be removing. I did go ahead and grab the Crower 53229 cam and install it.

Timing chain was also replaced, but I kept my OEM gears. The made in China ALLMakes4x4 stuff was extremely CHEAP and the larger timing gear wasn’t even made to sit flat against the cam so when it rotated the gear was actually not true... I will never use their crap again. If I’m sent that stuff again vs Britpart or Bearmach stuff I’m immediately getting my $$$ back.

 

Ok,
Where are the best 4 places to bolt the load leveler chains, since heads, valve covers, and lower intake will be on?

 

I’m gonna use the front hook & cheat and install a spare onto the passenger head.

I’ve seen “some” people connect them to the rear intake bolts.

 

I should have taken a pic because it's just been days and I've already forgotten, but I think I used a discarded head bolt in the rear of the block and a long bolt in one of the alternator bracket holes.

Installed everything but the upper intake, alternator, PS, coil packs, and A/C while the engine was out.

Left out the motor mounts.

Installed the 4.6 and bolted it to tranny/flexplate/bellhousing, installed the lower 2 bolts on the coil packs, then jacked up the 4.6 to install the motor mounts.

Had to slide the air intake in under the coil pack bracket, but it works and fits that way. Then I could install those last 2 coil pack bolts.

 

Oh man... I did take pics!


Bit more sketchy of an operation than I was remembering, too. Dang.

 

Just remembered, I left the oil pan off. Don’t have to lift as high and easier to attach the torque converter / flywheel bolts. As for lifting I used a short bolt on the back of the head. Clearance in the rear is tight when you set it in. My first attempt I had to temporary support the motor while a repositioned the rear chain/bolt.