[grivera]

I plan on doing an install this fall on my 69 bird. I will install the engine and TH400 as one assembly.

1. Should I have the exhaust manifolds (Long Branch RA with ceramic coating) installed on the engine prior to putting it in engine compartment?

2. Intake manifold installed prior to as well?

2. I have a new steering gear going in, should that be installed prior to engine?

3. I'd like to do the front suspension with new bushings and such. Is it doable with the engine out of car or should I wait for the extra weight?

Any other tips?

[66bonne]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Definitely [you have this listed as 2]
4. Yes, install now, retighten after weight is added.

Jim

[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.

[grivera]

Thanks for the quick replies.

So no weight is needed for disassembly of suspension I take it (A-arms/bushings/ball joints)?

[BB1968]

When you start to disassemble the lower a-arms (ball joint) be very careful with the spring. Make sure you use a spring compressor or wait until you have some weight on them before you take the spindles off. There is a lot of pressure on the spring and if you don't compress the spring in some way it can jump out and hurt you a bunch. JMHO

[6t7gto]

http://216.178.81.108/forums/showthr...spring+install

[grivera]

6T7GTO,

Thx. Very informative link.

How exactly does one set up the safety chain?