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| | | Forums66 Topics128,205 Posts1,057,425 Members48,471 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 299 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 299 | Can I get the engine out of the truck by just removing the radiator and the radiator support. Or do I heed to remove the whole front clip of the truck?
Elmo | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | In my experience just the radiator. It is best to have an engine hoist that tilts the front of the engine up.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 299 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 299 | In my experience just the radiator. It is best to have an engine hoist that tilts the front of the engine up. And will the tranny come out with the motor, or will I have to take that off before pulling the motor? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | I have done it both ways: - engine and transmission from above - transmission from below; then, engine from above | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | Yes, the engine will come out with just the grill and radiator removed. If your tranny is a 3 speed, yes it'll come straight out with the engine too. If it's an original 4 speed it probably won't as it hangs down further than the 3 speed but I've not done a 4 speed so your use may vary...
That said, removing the front clip is fairly easy and may expose some needed repairs that you otherwise won't know about. I've done 2 different AD trucks and both needed front cross member repairs. The entire clip comes out as a single unit and you don't have to remove the hood. Remove 7 bolts per side, 2 under the radiator, 2ea fender supports, label and disconnect the front lighting assembly at the left side screw terminals (may have to disconnect the cross over wire at the right side terminals), fasten a chain or lift belt to the forward fender support bracket bolts and it'll lift off just about perfectly balanced. If you've got an engine lift and a concrete or asphalt floor it's a one man operation. You'll be amazed at the ease and access it affords. Good luck Dave | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | It is certainly easier with with the whole front clip and hood removed (my choice on a restored truck : and, including inner/outer fenders).
However, I have removed 216/235/261 engines with just the hood and radiator removed (be careful). | | | | | Joined: Feb 2017 Posts: 83 Vintage Truck & Tractor | | Vintage Truck & Tractor Joined: Feb 2017 Posts: 83 | It's not that bad to remove just the engine with the radiator removed. Better have a pretty husky cherry picker if your going to try the tranny at same time.
Current project; 1961 C20, 235 I6
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,462 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,462 | What kind of rig is this in?
BC 1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc 1949 GMC 250 project in waiting 1960 C60 pasture art Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 167 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 167 | As a general rule I pull the front clip, it is usually easier than trying to remove and install engines without sheet metal removal. And as previously stated, you may wish to make other repairs or detail work. Just my two cents worth.
I invest my money in precious metals, mostly rust!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 299 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 299 | What kind of rig is this in? 53 Chevrolet 3600 3/4 ton truck It has the 4 speed transmission. Elmo | | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,845 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,845 | With a 4 speed, I would drop the gearbox and then lift the motor out.
Last edited by cmayna; 09/19/2019 12:52 AM.
Craig My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | With a 4 speed, I would drop the gearbox and then lift the motor out. Without a doubt! 1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I always pulled the transmission, clutch and flywheel. Then unbolt the bellhousing from the engine, leaving it in place. This gives you a lot more room to lift the engine up.
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