Any advice for a novice stripping under-carriage & drive train?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

71 C-10 402/400 I'm perfectly green going into this. Can't wait to ID all the parts (so fun )........I've stripped the cab less front/rear windows, but essentially the undercarriage & drive train are a cab cart away. For what it's worth, I'm brushing the frame, and this is all in my garage less body/paint.

1. At some point the entire frame needs to be on stands. Is it safe to use a floor jack (on rollers) on the front or rear with the other side on jack stands? Very gradual? Other options? I've brought up the topic before, but something about visualizing a truck falling gives me the shivers.

2. In what order should I remove the following, generally speaking? It's all coming off.

• Engine
• Transmission
• Suspension including steering from the steering box. This truck has rear leaf springs and a front sway bar.
• Drive line
• Axle

3. Specialty tools? I know a pitman arm puller, and I think a coil spring compressor. Prefer using the right tools.



Rust isn't an issue. Lucky for a first project. Thank you for any input.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

After doing the A/C cab and most of the engine compartment, surely there aren't as many parts...HA! I'm only rebuilding the shell of the engine, less maybe a new oil pump? 40K on it (1993). Not sure about the trans. 140K, but sure shifts nicely. Probably needs a new switch "pass through" for kick down.


CAN'T be near as many parts. I identified the end of every including gauge and color. Less inside the fuse panel anyway. Color cuz I'm colored blind, but I got to the point I can see THESE colors.

[Grumpy old man]

Break down sequence

Complete front clip off
Remove bed
Remove cab
Remove driveline
Place frame on 4 jack stands high enough to remove suspension if your unsure with any of this guideline Get Help . Never use a floor jack as a replacement for jack stands , use your engine lift to help hold/ lift the frame . Do you have all the tools and equipment to safely do all this ?
Posted via Mobile Device

[OL SKOOL]

Take lots of pictures.Time flys when your having fun. 4 or 5 years later you will be scratching your head did that go this way? Don't ask me how i know.

[B. W.]

Originally Posted by OL SKOOL

Take lots of pictures.Time flys when your having fun. 4 or 5 years later you will be scratching your head did that go this way? Don't ask me how i know.

Yep, you know the saying 90% done, 90% to go!

Grumpy is right & your order in #2 is correct except suspension will be last. Remove the heaviest stuff first. With the front clip off you can remove the engine & trans together if you choose (even easier with the cab off too!)

[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by B. W.

Yep, you know the saying 90% done, 90% to go!

Grumpy is right & your order in #2 is correct except suspension will be last. Remove the heaviest stuff first. With the front clip off you can remove the engine & trans together if you choose (even easier with the cab off too!)

I said suspension last , the driveline ( engine, Trans, drive shaft ) are a totally different system from the suspension . If your looking for more or better jack stands check all the local pawn shops for them , Lots of great deals on tools and equipment can be found and I'm talking Snap -On , Matco , Mac , all at a discount still with the lifetime warranty from your local "Metal Vampire" tool truck
Posted via Mobile Device

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Break down sequence

Complete front clip off
Remove bed
Remove cab
Remove driveline
Place frame on 4 jack stands high enough to remove suspension if your unsure with any of this guideline Get Help . Never use a floor jack as a replacement for jack stands , use your engine lift to help hold/ lift the frame . Do you have all the tools and equipment to safely do all this ?
Posted via Mobile Device

Engine hoist is a good idea. Unfortunately I don't have one. I'll rent or borrow one. Space is at a premium, otherwise I'd own one. I have plenty of jack stands.

I take it the truck needs to be lifted to remove the front coils and all shocks?

The front clip, bed and cab will be off before I dive into the suspension, drive train and drive line.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Let me ask, does it make much difference to remove the front coil spring with or without the weight of the engine? Looking at Youtube, it doesn't seem to make a difference if using spring compression tools.