I'm the one who started this thread and I want to thank everyone for so many useful tips. In the end, I opted to remove the front clip. It was relatively easy. Fourteen bolts to remove at the cab and two under the radiator bracket. I count myself lucky that none of the bolts broke during the process. I'm pretty sure this process was easier than the alternative. Also, having the inner fenders out of the way made it much easier to access all of those other stubborn connectors involved with the engine swap. I will be able to do a much better cleanup and repaint job before reassembly.
Thanks again,
Steve
