Engine removal tips
 

Hey guys I'm looking for tips from those who have pulled an engine in these trucks. I've got a new 383 crate motor and I'm gonna swap out the tired 350. The truck is a 77 C10 with 3 speed manual. What is the best/easiest way to r&r the engine? Pull engine and tranny as one unit? Remove bellhousing bolts and leave tranny in place and just pull the engine? Remove tranny from bellhousing and pull the engine and bellhousing as one unit? Thanks for any help.

Re: Engine removal tips
 

I don't have the room to do both at one time. I usually just pull engine with cherry picker. I have a ratchet strap under the tranny to hold it up. Sometimes I leave the jack under the tranny also. I loosen the trans mount nut/bolt and it normally gives enough movement that I don't have to remove the trans cross member. Its a lot easier when you are by yourself doing just the engine.

Re: Engine removal tips
 

I pulled the engine/trans combo. 350/TH350. Used it as an opportunity to take the trans to a shop and have seals replaced and things inspected. In your case, you might want to check the clutch/pressure plate. Good time to replace if either is worn.

If that 383 is a bunch stouter then the 350, might want to look at a heavy duty clutch setup.

Pull the distributor before pulling the old motor and install after the new motor is in place.

Re: Engine removal tips
 

I pull the engine by itself. I remove the carb and the dist. I can get it out without removing the hood, exhaust manifold and all. I can do the same with my 69. It's tight, but it saves me from having to remove the hood by myself

Re: Engine removal tips
 

I found pulling the core support made the r+r much easier.

Re: Engine removal tips
 

I'm in the camp of "tear it all apart." I would suggest pulling the transmission first, particularly if you're going to be replacing any seals. On the sm465 four-speed trucks, it's much easier to remove the transmission from the bellhousing first. I assume your column-shift three-speed is similar, but I can't guarantee that.

If it were me, I'd pull the trans, remove the core support, then pull the engine and bellhousing as a unit. Reverse the procedure for reinstall.

Re: Engine removal tips
 

Thanks for the tips. DeadParrot, when you pulled the engine/tranny as a unit, did you have to remove the core support to do so?

Re: Engine removal tips
 

Core support - no, radiator and shroud - yes, AC condenser coil - no.

Re: Engine removal tips
 

having pulled the engine out of my '74 as a one man circus act numerous times, I would like to share a few stories in pics that you may find at least entertaining

tips, if doing inside, watch the placement of your truck in relation to the garage door opener, watch out for the garage door in the open position as well, go short on the chain as short as you can, get a cranky crank engine hoist balancer thingie the gray thing in the pics, worth every penny at Cardboard Freight. if you plan on doing it yourself, get a buddy to help you, LOL (swallow your pride, not worth the scratches and hang ups) wives, and ex wives or teenagers don't make for good helpers, beer drinkin' friends do

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=2807

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...1&d=1457157908

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=6004

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...1&d=1560141921

Re: Engine removal tips
 

Core support outta the way looks MUCH easier!