How to install followers for 2.3

[terrybreedlove]

Hi,
I bought a 1983 Ranger 4x4 for a project truck. I bought a 2.3 engine from a 1978 mustang to put in it and I need to replace the cam. I bought a new Cam with new lifters and new followers. I decided to use the cam and followers for a 1983 ranger engine and not the mustang. Anyway how do you install the followers ? I know there is a tool but I have no idea where to buy such a beast and I have heard you can do it without the tool. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[scotts90ranger]

get yourself two pry bars, the type with the screwdriver type handles should work pretty good, you want them to have a narrow shaft not a big beefy crow bar. what you do is pry the valve spring caps down using the cam shaft between the lobes to pry against and slide the followers under the cam, takes a couple minutes to figure out how you are going to do it but that's it, it's not too bad.

 

[mini274]

i found a big screw driver and patients works... and watch your fingers

 

[4b316]

Be a good time to put a roller cam in it while its apart

 

[terrybreedlove]

Thanks guys I will try that tomorrow and post back here if the weather gets better.

 

[terrybreedlove]

I ended up using a 1/2 drive breaker bar to compress the valves and remove the followers. Unfortunately one of my new lifters is bad so I had to order another one and it will not be here until tomorrow. It looks like a two person job putting the followers in. One to compress the valve the other to place the follower on. Also I had to unbolt my engine and jack it up in order to have clearance over the radiator support for the old cam to come out and the new back in.