Installing Engine & Trans

[daveh]

Ok guys everyone has convinced me to remove the K-member and install the engine and trans from the bottom.  Especially since I'm installing a TKO-600 in the 71 Challenger. 

Anyway being a chevy guy for the past 25 years and never working on a Mopar I really don't know what is the best way to proceed.  I removed the engine and trans and I'm getting ready to paint the engine bay after the K-member is out.

My question:  What is the best procedure to go about removing the K-member, torsion bars and upper and lower ball joints, etc?  I just don't want to have something go flying, like a chevy coil spring could if you don't know what you're doing. 

If someone has step by step procedures on removal and installation (torque specs) with pictures I would really appreciate it.  

One more question: Can the engine with the headers attached be installed from the bottom with the steering components installed or do I install the steering components after the engine is installed?  Thanks

Dave

[Chryco Psycho]

take the presuure off the torsion bars by undoing the bolt in the lower control arm , remove the nut from the front of the lower control arm pivot & the clip at the rear of the T bar  & pry both back ,the T bar will slide out , I remove the brake rotor & remove the 2 bolts holding the lower ball joint onto the spindle . all the steering gear can remain attached to the K frame , I use a snow mobile pad as caters to move the kframe with the engine & trans as one unit to roll it under the car

[Bullitt-]

There should be a wire clip at the backside of each torsion bar in the cross-member that needs to be removed before the bars can slide back. 

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

If you have a 4 post car lift like a backyard buddy, will that work for lowering the car down to the k-member?

[hotrod98]

Here's how we do it.

[daveh]

Hotrod98,

Thats a great pic of the engine cradle.  It looks so good I was wondering if you would be interested in selling me one?  I appreciate it.  Thanks

Dave

[ragtopdodge]

Hotrod98,

Thats a great pic of the engine cradle.  It looks so good I was wondering if you would be interested in selling me one?  I appreciate it.  Thanks

Dave

http://www.uscartool.com/kframestand/index.html

[mopar12372]

good idea if you have the right equipment , if your in your garage and only have jackstands and a jack or car ramps, i say put it in through the top but thats just me . eather way it all works out in the end.,

[daveh]

I can weld something like that up.  Just have to go buy some 2" square tubing, the casters I already have.  I just needed a good picture to go by.  I was planning on installing it through the top of the bay but you can't with the trans, headers and accessories installed which I want to do.  It's just easier that way and with everything attached you can't go in from the top.  I'm also converting to a Kessler 5 speed and this way I'm not laying under the car trying to figure it all out.  Thanks everyone.

Dave

[the_engineers]

Look through Dodgeboys build thread.  He used a cherry picker to lift the front of the car and then roll the engine/trans assembly under.

[daveh]

I plan on doing something similar.  I have a chain hoist attached to a steel I beam in the garage and will use that to lift it.  Been doing it for years pulling engines.  The best part is that I put rollers on it so it will have a little give when I need it too.  Thanks again

[whitesatinmopar]

Look through Dodgeboys build thread.  He used a cherry picker to lift the front of the car and then roll the engine/trans assembly under.

   Good luck with that, can't remember just how long ago thos pic were post but for whatever reason this site seems to delete pics within post within a rather short time period. Theat sort of makes our resto threads usless to reference to have actual visuals to go by.   But I do remember some great shots of his resto. 

[vinb]

Leave the upper control arms on , just disconnect from the upper ball joint or you will have to do the wheel alignment over...