In truck cam swap
 

Hey peeps -

I looked through several posts on the site, but either couldn't find the info I needed, or didn't have the correct key words...

Has anyone done a cam swap with the engine still in the truck? I've seen this done before in magazines, but it always showed just one picture of the people installing the cam & a small blurb that accompanied it. No meat & potatoes.

I'm going to be installing a new intake, carb, heads & valve covers anyways, so I figured what the heck. I also realize I'll have to remove the radiator and other front engine components. I just don't feel like lifting the whole thing out.

Tips, tricks, detailed info & especially pics would be a huge help!

Thanks as always! :metal:

Re: In truck cam swap
 

You would replace it just as if the motor was out, you just need to remove the radiator, grill, etc. Pretty easy job.

Re: In truck cam swap
 

Drop the front of the oil pan before you install the timing cover. It makes ensuring the timing cover seal gets installed correctly light years easier.

But if you are going to tear it down to that point, life would be MUCH easier if you just pulled it. By that point, it would probably only take another 15 minutes to have it out.

Re: In truck cam swap
 

I've swapped cams with the motor in the truck. Have to remove the radiator and a/c condenser (if you have a/c). On my '85, I had to cut/bend a piece of steel bracing in the center of the core support to allow enough room for the cam to come out. Just welded that brace back up after the swap. IMO, a cam swap in the truck is easier/faster than pulling the whole drivetrain.

Re: In truck cam swap
 

here's step by step instructions
http://73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/cam.htm

Re: In truck cam swap
 

Core support gets in the way of the cam coming all the way out. 81-87 not sure about older ones.

Re: In truck cam swap
 

I did a cam swap a few weekends ago with the engine in the truck. I went ahead and removed the whole core support, but then I was getting ready to swap the whole front clip anyway. It's a little extra work, but it gives you complete access.

http://home.att.net/~gregory.matthews/009a.JPG

If you don't remove the core support, there is a vertical brace as swb85 says that you would need to cut and bend out of the way.

Re: In truck cam swap
 

I have almost the same picture from a month ago

Re: In truck cam swap
 

i always do it in the truck i have the center part of my core support cut out and i just did some modding on my timing cover so pan removal is not needed

Re: In truck cam swap
 

Thanks for the info, links & pics! You guys are great!

I noticed on the step-by-step instructions link that flamingbig10 provided as well as the other pics and postings that removing the whole core support (or cutting/bending the piece of steel bracing in the center of the core support) is necessary for 81 and up trucks. No one seemed too sure about 73-80 trucks.

My truck is currently being painted, so it's not here. However, the guy who's doing the work said this would be a good time to do those mods. He just doesn't want a whole engine / tranny removal thing going on in his shop... can't blame him really.

Any info from 73-80 owners would also be great.
Have a great 4th!

Re: In truck cam swap
 

Swap your cam often, do you? :lol: