Whats the best way to remove and replace an engine?

[Tonefiend]

Very cool thread!  I had a line on an engine but that fell through, so I don't know what I am going to do.  I do need to rebuild the front end.  Torsion bars, bushings and shocks. And I need to clean up 40 yeas of gunk.  I may build an engine with the help of a friend. In that case I might look into a long term project and do the front end at the same time and lift the car up. 

If I were to come across an engine ready to drop in I think I would go from the top since I am familiar with that way.

[Aussie Challenger]

I have done it from up top for over 40 years now but what tipped me towards doing it from underneath this time is that I will be doing some suspension mods so I will do all at once.

[mopardave]

top or bottom, its your preference, opinions either way, But if you paint mark the cam bolts and measure the ride height before you pull, then it is very easy at anytime to pull the motor from the bottom 12 bolts and slide the t-bar back, no need to undo any of the strut rods or ball joints, I would rather do that then pull the front end off or not and risk alot of damage, this can be done with just a simple cherry picker, and some type of cart system for the engine and trans to sit on. 

[Moparal]

You know Dave, I must of had a brain fart for a moment   The struts are hooked to the front of the kmember and lower control arm.

[ntstlgl1970]

I did this in my 2 car garage. Borrowed the bar that goes in place of the bumper and had the cart parts lying around. If you go from the bottom, after moving the torsion bars back, just remove the bolts that hold the lower ball joint to the spindle (of course the brake rotors or drums would have to come off), no alignment issues that way other than getting the ride height back to where it was.

[cudazappa]

i am also in the roll it under the car camp.  made my life so easy and a lot less nervous.  When I go to a bigger small block and add a 4spd, I'll go underneath again.

[mopardave]

just remove the bolts that hold the lower ball joint to the spindle (of course the brake rotors or drums would have to come off), no alignment issues that way other than getting the ride height back to where it was.

good call I didnt think of that, just tie them up and its all good.

[Aussie Challenger]

If you go from the bottom, after moving the torsion bars back, just remove the bolts that hold the lower ball joint to the spindle (of course the brake rotors or drums would have to come off), no alignment issues that way other than getting the ride height back to where it was.

Good idea, I don't like to disturb any rubber bushes as they can squeak if they don't go back in the original position.   

[acudanut]

 AAR with a Big Block ?

[Chryco Psycho]

I did my first bottom install about 10 years ago , , I have not done it from the top since

[ntstlgl1970]

AAR with a Big Block ?

it's not an AAR, just painted that way