The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1946 Chevy 1/2Ton - Engine Install

I'm pretty close to installing my 235 engine into the open frame. I was planning to install the engine with bellhousing first and then install the 4-speed manual transmission after. Or, should I bolt the transmission to the bellhousing and install all at once? Will I run into any issues doing it the first way? Just looking for any gotchas to watch out for.

John, Just my $.02 worth, but if it was me I would install the transmission to the engine first, then the whole kit and caboodle into the frame. So much easier with out any impediments to work around (frame rails to lift over, cross members to maneuver around or bend over, etc.).

What Dan said.
Definitely bolt the tranny on the engine first. It's much easier to get the tranny installed with the engine hanging from a hoist than with the engine sitting in the frame. You'll need to crawl underneath to get to the transmission bolts if the engine is in the frame. With the engine and tranny bolted together it's real easy to drop it into place in the frame. I set my engine/tranny in the chassis single-handed. Even with the cab in place, it came out with engine and tranny together pretty easily. I did use an engine leveler on the hoist, but got it out without touching anything on the cab.

Thanks guys! I'll get the trans connected to the engine first.

Update: Got the trans connected to the engine. I can't believe it popped right in - NOT! I had to keep adjusting the angle and wiggle at the same time. OK, me and the trans were both wiggling. Now I have to find the torque specs for the bolts.