Engine changeout: front end removal?

[zac]

I know some of you guys have done this a dozen or more times. I'm just about ready to swap a new engine into my '70 K10 burb. I pulled the engine from a '72 several years ago, but I don't remember much about it, and it was complicated by severe rust. The grill, radiator and mounting panel have to come out obviously, can you take a couple minutes to give me some tips on which bolts need to come out, which ones I won't see, and which ones I shouldn't take out that I will think I should? What should I order now that almost always has to be replaced? This truck is pretty clean and I sprayed PB on all the likely-looking suspects, so I'm hoping it will go pretty easy. Stupid questions, I know. Thanks in advance.

[mrein3]

I usually just take the hood off and the radiator out. Everything else north of the radiator can stay.

[GASoline71]

No need to yank the front end off. I do as above... and remove the hood and radiator.

The only time I have removed everything, is when I was going to have it apart for a long time, and detail out the frame and inner fenders etc. Or when I helped a buddy yank the engine out of a '91 Suburban with a 6" lift and 35" tires... then we yanked everything off to make it easier.

Gary

[zac]

OK, seems like I had some clearance issues with my hoist getting the engine up and over. Or maybe I thought I would. Probably operator error again.

[mrein3]

You do have to get that sucker up high to clear the radiator support - especially on my 4x4. But it does clear. I have one of those adjustible arm length chinese specials from Northern Tool for a cherry picker. I put the length on the 1000 pound pin and leave the tranny in the vehicle, just lifting the engine.

[RPBurris]

Since you have a 4wd i would take off the front end. I started mine about 2 months ago and took the whole front end off. I am putting new sheet metal on any way but getting the motor over the top of the radiator support would be difficult with a regular cherry picker. I also do not have the height in my garage for a tall picker. I would say disassembly was fairly straight forward. I only had to cut the 2 bolts on the radiator support and everything else came out without breaking anything. Just make sure to keep track of everything as you take it apart.

[gcburdic]

If you want to pull the front clip off, here's a good thread detailing all bolts, etc needed to be removed to remove...seems pretty easy...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=458618

[cdowns]

once you get everything disconnected that you need disconnected under the truck take the wheels off and lower it as low as it will go but still have rolling clearane for the engine crane
that way the need ti lift is not so high

[zac]

I like the taking the wheels off idea. I would love to take everything off and go through it, but now is not the time. I really want it back on the road.

[71gmcburb]

it's alot easier if you pull the compleate front clip off (less then a dozen bolts) Then you can stand on the ground and easily get to all the bolts and lines with all the room you could ever want also be very easy to pull the motor out if your doing it indoors

[zac]

I see a reference in a build thread about a FAQ for front clip removal, but I can't find it. Anyone know how to find it?

[dsy1]

On my lifted Suburban with 35's I just let the air out of the tires to get it lower. Much easier to reach everything and you don't need to worry about removing the wheels and using jack stands.