Replacing rod/main bearings without pulling motor
 

Is it possible to replace the rod and main bearings in a 96 Vortec motor without pulling the motor? I have a 96 4x4 suburban that if I remove the front differential I have pretty good access to removing the oil pan. I don't think that replacing the rod bearings will be too difficult, but don't know how hard (or if even possible) it would be to replace the main bearings without at least pulling the transmission back to allow dropping the crank out. Can the block half of the bearing be "rolled" in without dropping the crank? I just bought this thing and it was getting antifreeze in the oil. Replaced the intake manifold gaskets and that problem is fixed. It runs good and carries decent oil pressure, but I have heard that antifreeze in the oil is hard on bearings and thought if I could replace the bearings without too much hassle, that it might be good insurance against future bearing failure.

TIA,

Randy

Once you remove (and mark) each main cap, you can slide the upper bearings out (tab first) using a brass pick so as not to scratch the crank. You will have to use a pry bar between crank and block but use only a small amount of force to allow the bearing to roll along the crank surface till it will fall free. Use large amounts of moly lube or white grease for re-install. WARNING!!! any dirt upon re assembly will destroy the new bearing so cleanliness is of great importance. :burnout:

Rich

It's not to tough to do it with th eengine in. I did it in about 1.5hrs in my 77.