Bit of a cross post that I am also updating on another truck site. Thought i would share on this site also.
Been sitting around procrastinating with the install until late yesterday. Figured if I never got to it soon the season would be over and the truck in storage. First this about the install I was surprised about is getting access to the camshaft area. I have read lots of different installation techniques for the install ones that that say the full front clip has to be removed or the engine has to be drastically titled upward, and the best possible way is to fully remove the engine.
After 5 min of taking a very detailed look at the truck setup I don't quite fully understand why all so mush has to be done. I removed the hood latch shroud, front grille side retaining bolts from inside the fenders, removed the top two grille support cross braces and the 4 top bolts that hold the grille to the front face of the front fenders. The bumper was left on with only the most forward bolt left in so the unit can swing slightly down. The grille came out easily as one piece.
Next the rad was drained and unbolted and puller directly up and out of the rad support brace. This is where I'm confused........im getting full access to the cam area with nothing on the way and I never had to remove anything major as some others were indicating i would have to.
Grille Removed The crank pulley was easily pulled off with a puller, and the fan components removed.
Rad Removed Pulley / Fan Removed Next was the removal of the oil pan for the only reason to get access to the two timing gear cover bolts that are installed from the inside. The pan was easy to pull off with the truck on stands. After the two bolts were out the timing cover was removed. I will be drilling out and tapping the two holes from the front of the engine just in case Ii ever need back into the timing gear area in the future and then I can keep the oil pan on. Still looks nice and clean inside. Nothing concerning was found in the bottom of the oil pan.
Inside Engine Was getting ready to clean up the oil pan and get it ready for the reinstall and found out I forgot to order a new pan gasket set. Now I'm on a mission to try to find one at a local Napa or someplace like that. If all goes good today I should have time to rotate the engine to TDC, remove the distributor and remove the rest of the cam, and lifter components.
