The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What lift points & method on a 261 inline engine with tranny?

When attempting to extract a 261 inline six engine with attached original type cast iron Hydra-matic transmission (that is itself extremely heavy):

1. Is it advisable to pull the engine and tranny together as an assembly, or is it better to first detach the tranny from the engine (somehow supporting each of the engine and tranny independently properly while and after doing so), and pull them separately? I am assuming that if they are separated first, you need the truck elevated on a lift, and a tranny jack, as I imagine that the tranny MUST be pulled from below . . .

2. What are reliable lift points to use on the engine?

3. What bolt size, thread, and length is required to use those lift points?

The engine and tranny together weight in excess of 825 pounds (at least one tranny shop owner says more because he says the tranny weighs more than the shop manual implies). I have an engine hoist rated for 2 tons (4000 lb)atshortest extension, 3000 lb at middle extension, and 1 ton (2000 pounds) at full extension, plus a leveler for the hoist.

I do have an assymetric lift, but using it the SAFEST way will probably require me to remove (not just disconnect from the engine) the exhaust system, as the previous owner ran it very close and parallel to the frame rails. I am also not wild about using a lift when we are going to change the center of gravity VERY abruptly once we disconnect that tranny. That's a safety problem waiting to happen. From a safety perspective, I'd rather pull 825 pounds from the top while the vehicle is firmly on a concrete floor.

Informed opinions?

Professional ones especially valued!

Jim G

Jim,

You may remember this post.

I will be removing a 1954 engine and Hydra-Matic transmission this spring. I have already removed the hood, grill, and will remove the radiator. (this truck is undergoing a full restoration to original appearance and mechanical specs)

I will put a lift under the transmission;
remove the transmission rear-mount and chassis cross-brace;
disconnect the drive-shaft;
remove the transmission;
disconnect rear motor mounts;
disconnect front motor mounts;
make sure all other leads, lines, tubes, etc have been disconnected;
lift the engine with a 2-ton rolling shop crane, using a load-leveler (and the lift bolts as described at the link above).

I used to do this as a part-time job, but not in many years.

Tim

The transmission the way it mounts will easily sit by itself in the frame. I would pull the engine and the the transmission. In Tim's case where the truck is undergoing restoration, I would pull the engine, remove the cab if it was part of the restoration plan and then the transmission. The hydra-matic crossmembers are designed so that trans can be removed from the underside of the truck. My webshots albums show the way I put my driveline together. [IMG]http://thumb17.webshots.net/t/58/58/2/59/72/400725972XGoyud_th.jpg[/IMG] Another thought is to go to Keith Hardy's website where he has posted the 54 Chev Hydra-Matic service booklets one of which covers removal and installation of the transmission. http://chevy.tocmp.com/booklets/5431smindex.html Hope this helps, G.H.

Thank-you, guys. Once you pointed out the earlier thread, I did indeed remember it. I am reassured a lot now!

Anyone know the size and thread pitch of bolts to use on the front (on the back, I gather you just use what is already there)? I did not see that in the thread.

Jim G