[wmhjr]

Just my opinion, but...

Can't answer about manifolds but think it's easier on the F-Bodies when the engine is out.

Definitely intake before intalling engine.

Steering box installed before installing engine.

Sway bar bushings/end links are easier with engine out. Upper A-Arm bushings are probably easier with engine out. Lower A-Arm bushings may be easire with engine in. Actually, thinking about it, I'd probably replace all the bushings with the engine out but not install the A-Arms/ball joints into the spindle. Then I'd install the engine and then use the weight of the engine to compress the springs with the lower A-Arms supported.

Again, JMHO.