Supporting engine when removing trans

[jimijam00]

What? Why would that happen? You yank the prop, unbolt the transmission, slide it back, and drop it down. That's it.

[kwmech]

The exhaust system usually will hold up the engine enough. If I have to move the car/truck substantially I will either thread in a couple of long 3/8'' bolts into the lower bellhousing bolt holes and set a 2x2 across the frame rails or just use a heavy duty ratchet strap rail to rail. The early 4x4s with the engine stuffed into the firewall need the dist cap loosed so it doesn't get broken.

If you are not moving the truck then what you propose will work just fine and be relatively solid

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

What? Why would that happen? You yank the prop, unbolt the transmission, slide it back, and drop it down. That's it.

If you had ever done this, you'd know that the back of a SBC engine will drop somewhat because the side mounts are located well ahead of the engine's center of gravity. This is especially true if the engine has a bellhousing, flywheel, and clutch. Probably not so bad with an auto trans, but I have always supported the engine one way or another.

Thanks to the guys with helpful comments and suggestions.

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by MikeB

If you had ever done this...

Yeah, I have done this. So why the question since you have allegedly also and know all about this [non] issue? Maybe you were asking another question? Either way, enjoy your say sir.

[HO455]

Worst-case scenario is the motor mounts are broken and the exhaust pipes are paper thin. Then the engine falls backwards and breaks the shroud, the fan hits the radiator, the distributor cap gets broken and oil pan gets crushed exactly 37 minutes after you pull the transmission.

I'm not pessimistic, I've just spent a lot of years working on junk.
It's always better to be safe than sorry in my world.

[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by HO455

Worst-case scenario is the motor mounts are broken and the exhaust pipes are paper thin. Then the engine falls backwards and breaks the shroud, the fan hits the radiator, the distributor cap gets broken and oil pan gets crushed exactly 37 minutes after you pull the transmission.

I'm not pessimistic, I've just spent a lot of years working on junk.
It's always better to be safe than sorry in my world.

Exactly ! Using a floor jack under the pan with a board to spread the weight is just easier and safer . it can help realign everything when it's going back together when your laying on your back on the garage floor .