[A.J.]

Got my hands on a 428 with a th400 that I will put in the car.
I want to install engine and trans bolted together but my cherry picker does not reach all the way in, I'm missing about 10". How much work is it to remove the front or frontclip of the car?

[Tempest]

how are you attaching the cherry picker to the engine??

I use an engine leveler now, but in the past, never had a problem reaching in when I used a chain going from the front of one head to the rear of the other.....I have never liked those plates that attach to the carb mounts, limit your angle, and those bolts were never intended to hold that weight, IMO.

[jd66]

Originally Posted by A.J.

Got my hands on a 428 with a th400 that I will put in the car.
I want to install engine and trans bolted together but my cherry picker does not reach all the way in, I'm missing about 10". How much work is it to remove the front or frontclip of the car?

Would be a lot easier to remove the trans from the motor and install motor then lift trans into place. BTDT. jd grim 66 gto

[BB70]

Seems to me I would try to come up with another engine hoist. Removing the grill, core support ect is to much trouble - but somtimes you got to work with what you have.
John

[A.J.]

When I pulled the 389 I borowed a longer arm for the lift but it felt like it would tip over due to the changed balance point. I will get one of those 4 chain levelers but I have limited space with only 210 cm to the roof. Might need to push the goat outside to get the engine in.

[goatman65]

I have the same problem with my Harbor Freight picker. Needs about 6 more inches of reach. I was able to get the engine/trans out okay,but i'll have figure something to get it back in.

[Goatracer1]

Anyone who says it is easier to put turbo 400 in after the engine is in has never laid on their back and tried it. Find some way to install them together. Maybe you can rent/borrow an engine lift that is longer. I've had the engine out of my 1967 so many times it should have wing nuts on it.

[A.J.]

It's probably easier to borrow or buy a better lift. In worst case I'll ask the farmer next door to come with his tractor and we'll do it outside.

[Tempest]

you definitely need space above

and I agree, putting the engine and tranny in (and out) together is much easier, than lying on your back.

[TheSilverBuick]

I've never had an issue installing or removing an auto trans separate from the engine, a manual is a different story.

I get the hoist hook 3 or 4 links off the lift plate. Other tricks are to jack up the rear end of the car to not require as much tilt on the engine/trans.

[rexs73gto]

If you only need about 10"'s how about taking the wheel off the car letting the frame set on a few wood blocks , that will give you the extra room you'll need. The only thing is it only leaves about 5 inches from the floor to get the tail in. Have you tried to shorten your lift chain ? Or reposition the chain on the engine you have.?

[A.J.]

The problem is that I'm missing about 10" to reach in horizontally, the height will be the next issue. I will probably need to roll out the car on the driveway to get the engine and trans package in.

[carcrazy]

I've done it both ways. Obviously it is a piece of cake with the front clip off. That being said, I wouldn't remove it if it was already on. NBD to remove the turbo 400. I've never had much problem installing the transmission after the motor as long as you have or have access to a transmission jack.