When I had help getting a rebuilt 261 installed in my 3100 last spring, the gentleman that helped me removed the radiator, cut the radiator support piece as shown earlier in this thread, and removed the hood. Never touched the grill or front fenders. I think the key with removing the hood is simply not unbolting the hinges from the cab. Only unbolt the hood from the hinges.
Also, the transmission was not mounted to the engine yet. After the engine was installed, the transmission was lifted by a hoist which was cantilevered in through the passenger door, and lifted the trans up from the floor.
If think if you tried to drop a connected engine/trans combo in by only removing the hood, then you'd have to tilt it at a crazy dangerous angle in order to fit down into the engine bay. Not a good option.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Last edited by Green_98; 04/01/2020 3:59 PM.
