Today started with pulling the front fenders off and setting them aside so they won’t be damaged while installing the engine. Finally after several years of hard work the truck is now ready to receive the 306 cubic inch motor.
After being mocked up on the engine a few days ago the transmission, bell housing, clutch assembly, and flywheel have all been removed and the engine is ready to be hooked up to the hoist and lowered into place.
I wrapped the engine up with a few towels as well as the firewall and core support. I am going to do my best not to scratch the new paint as today’s process moves forward.
Ok, here we go!
So far so good, it cleared the core support.
Now I start to lower it into place as it is turned at a 90 degree angle to clear various obstacles.
Once the crankshaft pulley and water pump pulley has cleared the core support the engine will be turned back 90 degrees to the correct position and lowered a little more.
Oops! I have the crank handle above the engine on the hoist attached toward the rear of the engine. That will never clear the cowl panel without being turned around and attached on the front side of the motor.
Hang on while I fix that small issue!
All looks clear, and it slides right into place!
Both engine plates drop on to the motor mount bolts and the assembly is in position.
Now let’s take a quick look at oil pan clearance on the steering rack. Several other people have expressed problems in this area and I expect I will run into the same concern. It looks a little tight. Yep, the tee shirt is stuck in place.
