How to reach 4x4 engine bay

[islandboy312]

Hi, folks.
I have a new-to-me 71 Chev K20 with no lift. The engine is in a deep, wide hole. Just touching the carburetor is a challenge, doing good work is even more difficult.

Milk crates flop over at the worst times. What's the best way to get in there? What does the well-equipped gearhead stand on?

Thank you.

[72lb4x4]

Climb in and sit on the inner fender...

[VegasBruce]

Take out the inner fenders.

[powerdriver 1958]

Try this , You might want to copy that and fab your own....Better than a milk crate

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool...OTC-1534A.html

[71STPSDE]

Here is something I'm thinking about gettin. It's a little spendy. http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=98

[primer]

I have a foldable step on my 77 bolted to the bumper where the plate goes, the plate bolts to it. It's not good for long term work, but it works well if you just need to reach up and adjust something.

[orbot]

bucket upside down

[Torrey72]

Originally Posted by VegasBruce

Take out the inner fenders.

OMG

[VegasBruce]

If you pull a tire off, you have all the room you need.

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by powerdriver 1958

Try this , You might want to copy that and fab your own....Better than a milk crate

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool...OTC-1534A.html

These tire steps work great...especially if you're five foot and a tad, like me.
Do Not forget it's on there before driving away!
Also good for racking your shin on.




.

[MadManAndrew]

I built a 6x2' platform out of some spare lumber. Worked great until one of my legs came off while my dad was helping me and he took the hood latch to the sternum, but that's just due to poor design.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Shane]

... let the air out of the front tires

[vectorit]

Depends.. How old are you, and how much do you weigh?

I myself use to hop right in and sit on the fender wells, and basically straddle the engine.

Fast forward 20 years and uh, well lets just say I've put on a few pounds.


Now a days, I use those heavy moving blankets and drape them all around the radiator support. Then I have a couple step ladders that I can move from side to side on if I have to, while the whole time being aware of where those steps are.

But, really the blankets protect the body work on the truck and yourself from getting dented, scratched, and bruised.

[motornut]

i have a couple of wooden boxes 3/4 inch plywood bout 8 inches high to step along
flipped upside down they hold tools/jugs in the truck

a buddy built a drive in setup,out of an old deck being replaced ,you drove into a 3 piece deck that you could lift the sides closer and you walked aound the front and sides of the truck and down a couple of stairs @the doors

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by VegasBruce

If you pull a tire off, you have all the room you need.

Take ALL the tires off...prob solved!

[Psycho71]

Here's how I get to mine.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

remove tires and use short jack stands, let air out of tires, step stool.

[hgs_notes]

This winter when I was doing a lot of engine work, I just pulled the front sheetmetal off the truck. It's really pretty simple and it doesn't take long to bolt it back on.

[camshaftgsxr]

i had plans for a drive up scaffolding type of deal, a board you park on top of and a two foot scaffold around the front of the truck like three walk boards, im short and although i didnt buy a lifted truck i already had plans for a way to work on one if i ever bought one.

[Mr. 250r]

Post #4 i use that all the time on my mud truck with 36s works perfect

[mbgmike]

are you guys serious??

[BLAZERMAN]

I use a folding step like in post #4 and also have the topside creeper in post#5, both work well but I probably use my roll around step ladder the most.

[KroAutomotiveInc]

a big block of wood usely dose nicely!

[jrdv]

I had the same problem. Just built this out of square tubeing and expanded metal with wheels on one side so it can be moved around easily.

[C-10 simplex]

It isn't just 4x4---2wd is difficult too! i just had to add oil last night. The only way i could reach the cap in the valve cover was to climb in----NOT COMFORTABLE for obvious reasons----look at the radiator support as to why.


You really have to be careful about this; i think the topside creeper is a very good tool and cheap insurance against back pain. And trust me, you DO NOT want lower back pain.