Hello all,

If you have the engine/gearbox/overdrive and the front suspension/steering assembly off the car and you are now ready to reassemble, which would you install first? Engine/gearbox/overdrive or the front suspension/steering? I am not so much interested in how it was done in the factory - they had different circumstances. From those who have done it, I am interested in your opinion.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Lin

 

That's easy, the front suspension and steering should be in place first so if need be you can move the car around a bit to accommodate the fitment of the engine.
The engine/transmission was put in as a unit when I did my engine and the front suspension assembly and steering were on the car.


The car was blocked a bit on the wheels because the engine has to be put in at quite a steep angle and the back end of the transmission was supported by a small dolly. As the engine was lowered into the bay it has to be leveled off, this is where the dolly is needed to take the weight of the transmission as it's lowered into the bay.


If you have a device on the end of you engine hoist where you can adjust the angle of the engine as it's lowered in, it's much easier, but it's always a good idea to have something to support the tail end of the transmission if needed.


Not only that, I would think installing the steering column, brake lines, heater etc and anything else that can be put in place with out the engine in the way, would be much easier.


Also, have the exhaust manifolds in place before the engine is put in place. Accessing the lower nuts on the manifold while the engine is in place is a real bear !

 

JeffR1,
Thank you for the response JeffR1, but no, it is not quite that easy. My car is mounted on dollies and can easily be rolled around so I don't need the front crossmember in the car to move it. I also have a lift in the garage that can be used to raise and lower the car around the motor. I took it out through the top and that is the way I planned to do it, but just not sure now.

Thanks for your thoughts. I would sure like to hear from others as well - especially someone who has done it both ways and can compare and contrast based on first hand knowledge.

Lin

 

Hi Lin, I work mostly alone, so!!!!! I installed the eng/gb from below without dollies.
barry

 

Barry,
To install from below, must I remove everything from both sides of the block? Exhaust manifolds have to come off?
Thanks,
Lin

 

If I remember correctly, exhaust manifolds were on, starter on.Inlet manifold on, Transmission cooling pipes on( mines an auto), carbs off.distributer off.
Regards barry

 

Thank you, Barry. Just what I needed to know.
Lin