Eng. Install

[85/Silverado]

Would it be possible for me alone to swap engines on my 85 Silverado with a good Cherry Picker? I have a great set of mech. Tools

Also I need a suggestion on a good Torque Wrench for under a 100 dollars.
Thanks

[notallthere]

Yes you can do the swap by yourself. I have done this a few times because I find help slows me down. Torque wrench I would just go to Sears or Lowe's and pick one up. They are okay but I would not want to build a high end race engine with it.

[85/Silverado]

I need it for intake man. bolts and push rod guide plates, the lower end is all done.

[geezer#99]

Are you swapping just the motor or with the tranny too?

[jetmech85]

I have removed and replaced engines with my cherry picker. Don't even remove the hood I use a carb flange lift plate and leave the transmission in. Sometimes I have to remove all but two bolts holding the hood and gain a little more by proping the hood but that is better than trying to get help to remove the hood, at least in my case.

[Bigstevex4]

Originally Posted by notallthere

Yes you can do the swap by yourself. I have done this a few times because I find help slows me down. Torque wrench I would just go to Sears or Lowe's and pick one up. They are okay but I would not want to build a high end race engine with it.

I agree unless its some one youve mechaniced togather along time all they do is slow you down.

[Chaplain]

I'm in the process of removing my engine (by myself) right now. I mean I started it a couple of weeks ago and do a little at time. But the point is, I'm doing it myself with the tools I have...torque wrench included in that bunch of tools.

I am my father's son...

[85/Silverado]

Hopefully I can leave the tranny in and have it done this summer.

[geezer#99]

Whichever way you do it, these are real handy.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-c...ler-60659.html

[Corts60]

I've driven my truck into my shop, swapped engines, and drove back out 8 hours later by myself. It can be done. Prep, prep, prep.

[Chaplain]

I'm taking my time and balancing family life. I'm also taking lots of time to clean up the engine bay. Years of grime and wires out of place.

It can be done in 8hrs.

[K.C.'s85]

I worked at a company that had a testing gauge for torque wrenches and we all had our own favorites mine being snap-on but alot of guys had different brands anyway we tested and retested the micrometer types but the brand that seem to come up more accurate than any other without calibration after purchase was Craftsman? I know,who would have thought? When some of us older guys pulled out our needle types we found out just how good they really are and we could calibrate them instantly so the old needle types used properly where VERY good to say the least,it really didn't matter what brand they where.

[riz]

You can do an engine swap wit ha cherry picker by yourself. Just take your time and think things through and you will safely remove it. A leveler helps to adjust the pitch of the hanging engine. I removed mine with the trans attached.......... it just took time, brains and patience.

RIZ

[xrcr]

Yes you can. See all of the above and don't get in a hurry

[motornut]

Sure if the picker is big enough.
I remove the hood,sometimes I lower the front tire pressure,right down
I try to have a helper lifting,extra eyes are always good.
keep a phone handy
be sure to let the other person know when your hands are in the way,or "clear"