When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Complete engine install. Anyone tried this method?
I pulled the engine from a 2000 DII over the weekend. For the most part it went smoothly. The new (used) engine that will be going in is basically complete. I would like to avoid taking the intake coils etc off on re installation but I realize that access to the bell housing bolts would be impossible.
Contemplated taking the transmission out.
Then had an idea:
What if we shift the tranny forward so all bell housing bolts are exposed drop engine in bolt it up and slide it all back in place.
Here is what we did last night:
Pulled the front drive shaft,
Unbolted the transfer case frame mounts on both sides,
Used a floor jack and piece of wood under the transfer case and lifted everything up and slid the transfer case and transmission forward a few inches.
Now thee appears to be enough room to access all the bell housing bolts and just enough space to drop the engine in without hitting the radiator.
It worked!!! Much better access to all bell housing bolts!!! They actually went on with ease.
Just enough clearance for the radiator. I put a piece of plywood in addition to cardboard to protect it.
I wish I had pulled the exhaust manifolds off it would have made it easier.
Also I used the last bottom bolts on the exhaust manifolds (7 & 8) to attach the chains and the brackets hit the firewall before it slid all the way back. That would have been a problem anyway even if I pulled the intake first. Obviously an easy fix to use cylinder 5 and 6 instead of 7 and 8 or use different brackets.
I doubt you'll have room with the radiator still in.
You have to put the upper intake and coils on anyway, so leaving it until the engine is in just makes it easier.
Remove the motor mounts so the engine can be lowered several inches, that gives better access to the top bell housing bolts too.
I'm glad it worked for you.
It's always nice to see a different take on things.
I'll stick with leaving the transmission in place, as the motor mounts already need unbolted for engine removal, and it doesn't matter to me when I put the coils/upper intake in.
Moving the transmission is just more unnesacery work.
No disrespect intended.
I am not as proficient at the finer tedious tasks so moving large objects that were secured by fewer large bolts seemed easier for me.
If I have to change coils I might even do it this way also, just depends on where I am and what equipment is nearby. This is not a method to tackle by yourself, it helped to have a friend who was willing to help for free beer.
Complete engine install. Anyone tried this method?
