[Tx Firefighter]

You asked about sequence of events.

I like to drop the engine in and get all of the underneath stuff done first. Bellhousing bolts, torque converter bolts, dust shield, starter and wiring, engine mounts exhaust.

Then drop the truck off the jack stands and do the top stuff.

That way you truck sits lower when you're bending over the fenders doing the topside stuff. I hate standing on stools and reaching so far over to monkey with plug wires, carb linkage, and front bracketry.