pulling a engine in a lifted truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72chevyk10 · 10-25-2009, 02:54 PM

will a 2 ton shop crane lift high enough to get a 454 out of a truck with a 4in lift and 35's? or other ways to get it out? i gotta pull it this week

LONGHAIR · 10-25-2009, 03:42 PM

With a lifted truck it may just be easier to pull the front clip off first. It's not so much that it is too high to pull the engine out, it's just a PITA to do all of the climbing necessary to unhook it.....and then again to replace it.

Thealien · 10-25-2009, 05:24 PM

At least put some smaller tires on it!

72chevyk10 · 10-25-2009, 05:28 PM

yea i was gonna get some smaller tires. and i dont mind climbing in and out im only 17 so that aint a problem

i was just wondering if the crane is big enough haha

creamsicle68 · 10-25-2009, 06:34 PM

we used a regular 2 ton lift to pull the motor in my 68 once. it had 6 inches of lift and 33's at the time. but the motor just barley cleared. like the oil drain plug on the oil pan just touched the rad support coming out. that was a sbc tho. so idk if the bb will make a difference to the jack ( i assume it would) i would just throw some junk rims on the front or somethin and drop it way down just to be safe. cuz we wrestled the thing up to get it outta my truck and we werent sure it was gonna clear and that was just like a nightmare with the engine hoisted that high and all

BLAZERMAN · 10-25-2009, 10:36 PM

It really depends on the shop crane, some of the professional cranes may do it but if your talking about the ones sold at Harbor Freight and some other discount outlets then I agree with Longhair on pulling the front wrap. You would have to have your boom at full extension and probably raised to the highest point...and along with the weight of a big block I wouldnt want to be around if it were to start to fold up on you.

With the front wrap off it also gives you a lot better access to clean and detail that engine compartment while the motor is out.

*2tons of fun* · 10-25-2009, 10:39 PM

since you will have to drain and pull the rad any how.... pull the front clip off,

just pull the wiring harness off at the block, and its 8-10 bolts and you wont have to worry about trashing anything.

72chevyk10 · 10-25-2009, 11:19 PM

i went out a little bit ago and was taking some rough measurements it and im prety sure itll clear. my bro has a really good shop crane, and we extended it out and up and it should clear. ive done a engine swap in this rig before but not since the lift... but like i said i measured it out and it "should" fit. but the crane is at its limit if i keep the 35's on, so im gonna get some junkyard wheels and tires for a while.

*2tons of fun* · 10-26-2009, 02:39 AM

better take the fan and any shiny pullies off, they will be pushed into the boom arm when you stand it up that steep.

**special-K** · 10-26-2009, 07:42 AM

I drop my trucks onto the rotors.

turp mcspray · 10-26-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-k

i drop my trucks onto the rotors.

x2

72chevyk10 · 10-26-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

better take the fan and any shiny pullies off, they will be pushed into the boom arm when you stand it up that steep.

yea i always pull all the accessorys and all

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I drop my trucks onto the rotors.

i was thinkin bout' doin that, but i dont really want to screw up my fairly new brakes... with my luck it would

Mudder · 10-26-2009, 05:45 PM

I pulled my front clip off. Not that big of deal and makes it so much easier.

1lowdiesel · 10-26-2009, 07:07 PM

my buddie richie says pull the clip

LONGHAIR · 10-26-2009, 07:34 PM

Cut back on Richie's caffiene intake......LOL

DirtyLarry · 10-26-2009, 08:44 PM

Pulling the front clip is a lot of unnecessary work if you ask me. Pull the front tires and rest the frame on jack stands just behind the front shackles to the point the rotors are just a smidget off the ground. I have pulled probably a hundred engines in my life on my toys and working on other people junk at my dad’s shop on various trucks and never once pulled off a front clip.

Infusing 454HO with jack stands on the frame. 4” lift springs

A few years later. Injected 454HO with jack stands on the frame. 6” lift springs

8.1L install. Jack stands on the frame

Plenty of room

1988 Suburban with 6” lift getting a new 6.5L. Yep, jack stands on the frame and a jack under the juice box.

superchevy · 10-26-2009, 09:55 PM

No front clip makes it eeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz!

72chevyk10 · 10-27-2009, 02:07 AM

i just today found i dont need to pull the engine!!! im happy for now. i thought the rings were goin bad but i found the ignition system had gone out

at least its a easy fix.

thanks all for the replys!!

**special-K** · 10-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Well...that`s easier,huh?

Just for anyone else in the future.You can do what Dirty Larry does or what I do is put the rotors on a piece of wood,doesn`t hurt a thing.It`s just nice to bring it down to your size and not work with the hoist up as high.I see alot of guys pulling clips these days.I`m sure that`s not too hard,but I`ve never done that.I definitely put and engine in before installing a clip if it`s off.I`m usually working on a truck where "yet to be disturbed" is the rule and I like keeping it that way as long as possible.

72chevyk10 · 10-27-2009, 01:50 PM

yea, i really didnt want to pull the clip yet. mostly because im not very good at aligning body panels

but as soon as this truck starts the actuall restoration its all getin pulled apart and built how i want it. currently is undergoing a semi-daily-driven restoration as i call it haha

. but thanks again for all ya'lls help

BIGphillip79 · 10-27-2009, 05:17 PM

Dude bro, If your need to come down a few inches, like to pull the engine of what ever, no need to pull the wheels, just let the air out of the tires. With 35s should be able to get about 8 or 9 inches.

Senator350 · 10-28-2009, 09:12 AM

can actually DROP the truck on the rotors from full ride height and probably do no harm.

ign=blue smoke/bad compression?

Truck Dr. · 10-28-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72chevyk10

yea, i really didn't want to pull the clip yet. mostly because I'm not very good at aligning body panels

When you do, just scribe around the bolts before loosening them, or just a spot of spray paint....although I never liked the latter...the paint being a different color just makes it look bad IMO.

Talking about pulling the engine, when and if you do, doing any of the mentioned above, they will all work...if you set it on the rotors with or without wood, make sure that when your done and putting the rims on make sure the rotor turns free with no grinding, many times the rotor backing plate will get slightly bent and will rub the rotor, it may not be much but enough after a bit of driving it will score the rotor enough to have to replace it.
I have seen this happen many times, guys would pull motors or whatever and then end up with brake problems or a noise they couldn't diagnose and bring it to my shop, this would be the prob many times.
We usually put on just a set of steel rims and set it on the floor, that way if you do have to roll it, it still will, with it on stands, your stuck until you remove em, and that can be a real PITA and also dangerous.

I have worked on many of a lifted truck, there are loads of em here, all work trucks, not just TQs.

Dave

**special-K** · 10-28-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72chevyk10

... currently is undergoing a semi-daily-driven restoration as i call it haha

...

I call it a rolling restoration.

powerdriver 1958 · 10-28-2009, 07:54 PM

Poor boys have poor ways. LOL

10-25-2009, 05:24 PM	#3
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,125	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck At least put some smaller tires on it!

10-25-2009, 06:34 PM	#5
creamsicle68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: levittown, PA Posts: 120	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck we used a regular 2 ton lift to pull the motor in my 68 once. it had 6 inches of lift and 33's at the time. but the motor just barley cleared. like the oil drain plug on the oil pan just touched the rad support coming out. that was a sbc tho. so idk if the bb will make a difference to the jack ( i assume it would) i would just throw some junk rims on the front or somethin and drop it way down just to be safe. cuz we wrestled the thing up to get it outta my truck and we werent sure it was gonna clear and that was just like a nightmare with the engine hoisted that high and all

10-25-2009, 10:36 PM	#6
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,827	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck It really depends on the shop crane, some of the professional cranes may do it but if your talking about the ones sold at Harbor Freight and some other discount outlets then I agree with Longhair on pulling the front wrap. You would have to have your boom at full extension and probably raised to the highest point...and along with the weight of a big block I wouldnt want to be around if it were to start to fold up on you. With the front wrap off it also gives you a lot better access to clean and detail that engine compartment while the motor is out. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

10-25-2009, 10:39 PM	#7
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck since you will have to drain and pull the rad any how.... pull the front clip off, just pull the wiring harness off at the block, and its 8-10 bolts and you wont have to worry about trashing anything.

10-26-2009, 02:39 AM	#9
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck better take the fan and any shiny pullies off, they will be pushed into the boom arm when you stand it up that steep.

10-26-2009, 07:42 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck I drop my trucks onto the rotors. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-26-2009, 05:45 PM	#13
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck I pulled my front clip off. Not that big of deal and makes it so much easier.

10-26-2009, 07:07 PM	#14
1lowdiesel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: central jersey Posts: 763	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck my buddie richie says pull the clip __________________ 69 4wd V6 20k orig miles!! 05 ccsb 2wd Diesel 500hp bagged and soon to be stock floored. 01 rcsb chevy 2wd 6bt cummins :devil:> build xtremediesel.com

10-26-2009, 08:44 PM	#16
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck Pulling the front clip is a lot of unnecessary work if you ask me. Pull the front tires and rest the frame on jack stands just behind the front shackles to the point the rotors are just a smidget off the ground. I have pulled probably a hundred engines in my life on my toys and working on other people junk at my dad’s shop on various trucks and never once pulled off a front clip. Infusing 454HO with jack stands on the frame. 4” lift springs A few years later. Injected 454HO with jack stands on the frame. 6” lift springs 8.1L install. Jack stands on the frame Plenty of room 1988 Suburban with 6” lift getting a new 6.5L. Yep, jack stands on the frame and a jack under the juice box. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

10-26-2009, 09:55 PM	#17
superchevy Got big-block? Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,453	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck No front clip makes it eeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz! Attached Images __________________ '68 CST SWB factory 396/T400 buddy buckets, a/c, ps, pb '72 Corvette convertible 454/4spd/ac, ps, pb '73 GMC Sierra Grande short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '77 K5 Blazer black on red, 350/T350/NP205 ps, pb, ac all original '78 GMC Sierra Classic short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '72 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 38 built. '73 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 71 built. '75 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 25 built. SOLD! '72 GMC K25 4x4 468/4L80e/NP205 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...23#post4324423 SOLD!'55 Chevy gasser 496/4spd build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...96#post4324396

10-27-2009, 08:54 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck Well...that`s easier,huh? Just for anyone else in the future.You can do what Dirty Larry does or what I do is put the rotors on a piece of wood,doesn`t hurt a thing.It`s just nice to bring it down to your size and not work with the hoist up as high.I see alot of guys pulling clips these days.I`m sure that`s not too hard,but I`ve never done that.I definitely put and engine in before installing a clip if it`s off.I`m usually working on a truck where "yet to be disturbed" is the rule and I like keeping it that way as long as possible. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 10-28-2009 at 10:14 AM.

10-27-2009, 05:17 PM	#21
BIGphillip79 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: McAllen TX Posts: 377	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck Dude bro, If your need to come down a few inches, like to pull the engine of what ever, no need to pull the wheels, just let the air out of the tires. With 35s should be able to get about 8 or 9 inches.

10-28-2009, 09:12 AM	#22
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck can actually DROP the truck on the rotors from full ride height and probably do no harm. ign=blue smoke/bad compression? __________________ RN U OVR

10-28-2009, 07:54 PM	#25
powerdriver 1958 Kid's Mechanic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 8,241	Re: pulling a engine in a lifted truck Poor boys have poor ways. LOL Attached Images



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