1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Engine installation

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-13-06, 04:43 PM
  #1  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
drittens's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Engine installation

Would it be easier to install the engine w/ trans still installed or should I pull the tranny and hook it up to the engine before trying to get it in the car?
Old 01-13-06, 04:50 PM
  #2  
Blew my 3rd one 12/8/08

iTrader: (2)
 
Unsupa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Inman SC
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
if you have the engine puller then i would do it with the tranny attached, cause aligning the tranny while installing the engine is a pain. I know because i didn't have an engine puller.. it was me and 3 guys with a 4X4...
Old 01-13-06, 04:50 PM
  #3  
sellout

iTrader: (4)
 
Midwest 7's's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Lawrence KS
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
its easy to put it in without the trans., just make sure you have it in gear or e-brakes so the tranny shaft doesnt spin, otherwise they will be really hard to line up.
good luck, ----------adam
Old 01-13-06, 04:51 PM
  #4  
Senior Member

 
SCCAIT7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
... We have found that it is MUCH easier to put the tranny in after the engine is in... We never have had much luck mating the two in the car...just never able to get the first motion shaft in the piolit bearing...Just cant get enough movement in the transmission to get the angle right... End up spending allot of time wiggling and shaking everything around...time that could be spent taking the tranny out... I mean...its what... 4 bolts on the drive shaft...and 4 bolts on the cross member?? Eazy out!

The tranny is fairly light...I would suggest yanking it out...throwing the engine in and then just putting the tranny up...

Good luck!
Old 01-13-06, 04:58 PM
  #5  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
drittens's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thats what I was thinking about doing....I am soloing this with an engine crane and I spent probably 3 HOURS! trying to get it lined up with no luck >
So its off with the trany then!
Old 01-13-06, 04:59 PM
  #6  
Old Fart Young at Heart

iTrader: (6)
 
trochoid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: St Joe MO
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
I prefer putting them in together. I also have an engine tilt that hooks on the top of the motor which makes it much easier. It's also best if the radiator is out when doing it this way.
Old 01-13-06, 05:01 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
drittens's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
cool, well this thing doesnt even have doors or fenders on so I think Im good

THanks for the input guys
Old 01-13-06, 06:40 PM
  #8  
Go Hawks!

iTrader: (1)
 
64mgb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow...I can't believe anyone said to do them separate! When I asked this question it was all in favor of joining them up, them installing, so that's what I did. It went like clockwork...and I did it by myself.

Rich
Old 01-13-06, 07:18 PM
  #9  
RX for fun

iTrader: (13)
 
Siraniko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Socal
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 19 Posts
Easier to install the engine with the tranny in place especailly on 13-B transplant. The trick is to let the engine hang in an angle meaning flywheel side slightly facing down. Tranny up and a piece of wire hanger on the bellhousing so you can easily lift it up IF you are working alone. Usually, I stand on on the cross-member. Also, be sure to have the bolts ready. Engine doenst have to be completley flush wth the tranny. Been doing it for almost 20 years.
Old 01-13-06, 08:18 PM
  #10  
Go Hawks!

iTrader: (1)
 
64mgb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Man, I can't argue with your experience Wacky, but I installed mine with the tranny on the engine, by myself, first experience with this, with no problem.

Rich
Old 01-13-06, 09:40 PM
  #11  
MattG FTW!!!!!

iTrader: (2)
 
MattG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: South Windsor, CT
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I installed them in together!

When I pulled them out it was just a ***-a-long and some chain, But on the reinstall it was an engine hoist with a home made engine tilt. Went it easy, only hard part was lining up the engine mounts!

If I had a nice new paint job I would do them seperate, Less chance of messing it up in my opinion.
Old 01-13-06, 09:52 PM
  #12  
Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

 
Hades12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Union Mills NC
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by SCCAIT7
.Just cant get enough movement in the transmission to get the angle right... End up spending allot of time wiggling and shaking everything around...time that could be spent taking the tranny out...
Yeap

Trans on going in and comming out. Pull the stick or jack the car up a bit extra, Remove the hood is a given and best to remove the Rad.
Old 01-14-06, 11:01 AM
  #13  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
drittens's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I got the trans out last night...what are all of those wires hooked to it? Haynes didnt mention them. One attached to the speedo cable's place and two ro three about mid way up.
Old 01-14-06, 11:17 AM
  #14  
MattG FTW!!!!!

iTrader: (2)
 
MattG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: South Windsor, CT
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I think they are your reverse lights wires, So that way it knows when to turn on the reverse lights. I dont know anbout the speedo cable though.
Old 01-14-06, 06:40 PM
  #15  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
drittens's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ok cool...I havent traced it yet, but it goes to a connector up by the master cylinders
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
befarrer
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
4
08-14-15 04:18 PM
gabescanlon
Interior / Exterior / Audio
1
08-11-15 05:59 PM



Quick Reply: Engine installation



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:24 AM.