Flywheel swap question

[Tomahawk30]

I did some searching last night and saw a few conflicting opinions on this, so I thought I'd poll for some direct input.

I have to swap the flywheel on the 383 in my new 72 K20 (TH350 / NP205). The previous owner has replaced it, but used a 350 flywheel, so obviously that's no bueno. What is the quickest, down and dirty way to get in, swap in the new 400 flywheel, and get out? If I had a shop, I'd go all out and just use this as a reason to pull the engine and do some cleanup work, but this'll have to be a weekend driveway job.

So, should I get a lift and try to move the engine far enough forward to get the job done, or drop the tranny and transfer case? I'm leaning toward moving the engine just because I know what a b**** dealing with that transfer case can be. On the other hand, I just did that on a Jimmy back in January, so at least I'm pretty familiar with the process!

Thoughts???

[sefh]

I find it easier to remove the trans/trans case over removing the motor. The only issue is jacking the truck up high enough to allow for the trans to drop.

[Tomahawk30]

Originally Posted by sefh

I find it easier to remove the trans/trans case over removing the motor. The only issue is jacking the truck up high enough to allow for the trans to drop.

The truck actually has a 4" lift and 35" tires, so clearance shouldn't be an issue there. I'm starting to talk myself into that route again. There's a lot less to do to get it apart that way at least. I actually already have the front driveline pulled, which for some reason was WAY easier on this truck than it was on the Jimmy that I swapped trannys in back in January. Having the removal cover inside the cab definitely makes it easier to get to the bots. I actually need to pull the seat and carpet anyway to run some speakers behind the seat, so maybe I'll just do it all at the same time.

[GMCJOE]

I would just support the transmission with something. And slide it back till you have enough room to unbolt the flexplate. I used a transmission jack the last time I did it. If you can't support it safely to move it back, the best way is just dropping the transmission. Less work than pulling the motor.

[Fldawg]

just go down and get you some 8 to 10 inch long bolts and screw them in the 4 side bolts in the trans take the top 2 out slide jack under trans and slide trans out far enough to change flywheel. By the way you can use the 350 flywheel if you use a balance plate made for 383 / 350.

[Tomahawk30]

Originally Posted by Fldawg

just go down and get you some 8 to 10 inch long bolts and screw them in the 4 side bolts in the trans take the top 2 out slide jack under trans and slide trans out far enough to change flywheel. By the way you can use the 350 flywheel if you use a balance plate made for 383 / 350.

I don't think I can slide the transmission very far back with everything still installed due to the shift handle on the transfer case. I'm sure I'm going to have to at least drop that off. I should have a second set of hands this time though, so the transfer case shouldn't be near the issue that it was trying to reinstall it by myself!

I think when I did the tranny swap on the Jimmy I spent more time trying to be creative and take "time-saving" shortcuts than I actually did just performing the swap. I guess in the end, its just a case of diving in and getting it done.

[Fldawg]

forgot about transfer case, those are a big pain in the butt, doing that job in the drive way
you need a friend to help. good luck

[Tomahawk30]

Originally Posted by Fldawg

just go down and get you some 8 to 10 inch long bolts and screw them in the 4 side bolts in the trans take the top 2 out slide jack under trans and slide trans out far enough to change flywheel. By the way you can use the 350 flywheel if you use a balance plate made for 383 / 350.

Success! Wanted to say thanks for the long bolt idea. Pretty sure that saved me about a half a day of wrestling things around! I managed to get the seat and carpet pulled to get to the tunnel cover, driveline dropped, transfer case out, tranny slid back, flywheel replaced, and everything but the driveline and interior put back together this afternoon. Actually had the transfer case back in with some help from my son within about 4 hours, but proceeded to spend two more hours trying to get the transfer case bolts back in and the huge mess cleaned up! Few hours of wrap-up work tomorrow and HOPEFULLY I'll be on the road!

Thanks again!!!

[Tomahawk30]

Got the drivelines back on and the interior all put together today and took the truck for a spin. No more vibration or droning noise! The flywheel, as suspected, was definitely the culprit. Even managed to get everything back on with no leaks (except the speedometer that I forgot to hook back up)! While I had it apart, I went ahead and used some rust stop on the bad spots of the floorboard, cleaned everything up real good, and threw a pair of 6x9 boxes in the corners behind the seat. Finally, a project that went off without much trouble!!! (fingers crossed)