Engine installation methods

[Mrbill426]

@Chryco Psycho ok thanks, maybe they will see this post and chime in with some photos.  I am trying to conceptualize two stands under each front spring eye; is that two per side or one on each side, and actually under the spring or under the frame just forward of the spring?  If one per side are the other two stands for the front frame rails?

 

@Mrbill426
Yes I took lots of pics , all on my computer then my wife left with my computer so , I don't have any but I did it numerous times , withe the rear suspension & diff in place acting as a counter weight it is an easy lift using just you legs & a friend to block the car up , I bet I installed at least 20 engines this way including 2nd gen Hemis, I did both of Dfrazz / 303Mopar s cars this way 4 years ago , I bet he has pictures still .

[Mrbill426]

A follow on question... when doing an installation from below does it matter whether the upper control arms are pre-connected to the body or to the spindles?? I have seen pictures of both ways and wonder about pros and cons.  Mine are already on the spindles.

[anlauto]

I can't speak for Psycho's method, but I've found that it's much easier to install the upper control to the car first, and have the complete spindle and brake assembly on the K frame assembly. Once the engine is installed, just lift up on the lower control arm and connect the spindle to the waiting upper control arm.

I supposed you could attach the upper control arm to the spindle/brake assembly, but I find it very awkward to line up and install the upper control arm into the car with the weight of everything hanging off of it.

You could install the upper control arm with the spindle attached and just hook up the lower ball joint once the engine assembly is in, but I don't see a lot of logic in that method...

As mentioned....it's nice to have your engine/transmission and suspension as complete as possible before installing the assembly...I like to include all the brakes in there as well.

[Mrbill426]

@anlauto thanks for the input.  "Awkward"... I wish to avoid awkward at all phases if possible so I guess the upper control arm comes back off the spindle and into the body.

I can't speak for Psycho's method, but I've found that it's much easier to install the upper control to the car first, and have the complete spindle and brake assembly on the K frame assembly. Once the engine is installed, just lift up on the lower control arm and connect the spindle to the waiting upper control arm.

I supposed you could attach the upper control arm to the spindle/brake assembly, but I find it very awkward to line up and install the upper control arm into the car with the weight of everything hanging off of it.

You could install the upper control arm with the spindle attached and just hook up the lower ball joint once the engine assembly is in, but I don't see a lot of logic in that method...

As mentioned....it's nice to have your engine/transmission and suspension as complete as possible before installing the assembly...I like to include all the brakes in there as well.

[Chryco Psycho]

 I put the stands under the front spring so they cannot slide out & with the diff & springs & fuel tank all in I use the that as a counter balance for weight , then as I lift the front end I have someone put a stand under the front frame rail while I roll the engine under body .

[Mrbill426]

@Chryco Psycho  Ok... think I got it the picture.  Of course obviously there are weight variables; for instance with mine the only thing installed up front will be the dash and firewall components... no seats, doors, fenders, radiator, or windshield.

I put the stands under the front spring so they cannot slide out & with the diff & springs & fuel tank all in I use the that as a counter balance for weight , then as I lift the front end I have someone put a stand under the front frame rail while I roll the engine under body .

[Mrbill426]

Can I resurrect this long enough to ask for some photos of the rigs you guys use to lift the front of the car??  Much appreciated if you can 

[anlauto]

I just use the existing holes in the frame, ahead of the front K Frame bolts. Two heavy-duty tie down straps and my engine hoist...nothing fancy here and that way you can have the complete front end finished, grill bumper etc...