Yanking the 7.3

Heymack · Apr 19, 2026

I recently picked up a '93 4x4, F350, 7.3L NA with a ZF5. The motor is locked up, so I'm pulling it out. I have it completely stripped and disassembled the entire front end of the truck....I'm replacing every single consumable part and 'restoring' every other part.

Question is how do I separate the transmission from the engine? Historically, I've only pulled engine and tranny out as a single unit. I was hopeful that while gently lifting the engine off the perches that the two would separate, but didn't happen. Right now, the transmission is still attached to the crossmember and supported by floor jack towards the engine.

I assume I'll have to pull the tranny back towards the rear of the truck. Any tricks and/or recommendations?

Thanks!

ihc1470 · Apr 19, 2026

Any vizable cracks showing between the two? If not I would go back over it looking for a missed bolt.

Heymack · Apr 19, 2026

No crack, but got all six bolts and the four from the cover.

DougBoy66 · Apr 19, 2026

maybe a soft face dead blow hammer could encourage a separation. Anytime I can involve a hammer to solve a problem it make me happy though so use your best judgment :smash:

DougBoy66 · Apr 19, 2026

Like this one

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Heymack · Apr 19, 2026

DougBoy66 said:
maybe a soft face dead blow hammer could encourage a separation. Anytime I can involve a hammer to solve a problem it make me happy though so use your best judgment

Yeah, I sprayed a liberal amount of Kroil around the top of both parts and whacked very gingerly with a baby sledge and then a hard rubber mallet....still nothing. I'll continue soaking the joint.

IDIBRONCO · Apr 19, 2026

Did you drop the starter? Leaving the starter in place will keep the engine from being pulled forward. Especially if it's a long Mitsubishi. Unless it's something extremely unusual, you can leave the transmission in place and pull the engine out.
A possible reason for them to not separate is, if it's been sitting for a long time, there could be some rust on the input shaft of the engine and the middle of the clutch where the input shaft goes through.

Heymack · Apr 19, 2026

Yes, starter is gone.

I think you might be on to something. The truck sat for the past 16 years, undriven. I sprayed tons of Kroil into the bellhousing and on the shaft. I'm letting it sit and soak for the night.

IDIBRONCO · Apr 19, 2026

That's the only thing that I can think of. Just be sure to replace the clutch plate at a minimum. That Kroil won't do it much good.

Heymack · Apr 20, 2026

IDIBRONCO said:
That's the only thing that I can think of. Just be sure to replace the clutch plate at a minimum. That Kroil won't do it much good.

Yeah, considering how much effort I'm putting into the restoration, every 'wear' component on the truck is being replaced.

Black dawg · Apr 20, 2026

Not uncommon to be stuck on the dowels.

Heymack · Apr 20, 2026

Black dawg said:
Not uncommon to be stuck on the dowels.

Was wondering this? Where are they located specifically. Maybe tap around them?

Anybody just pull the whole mess (engine, trans, transfer case) out the front all at once? I was trying to avoid this because of length and weight, but I'm getting fed up and feel like I might start breaking things otherwise.

IDIBRONCO · Apr 20, 2026

If you zoom in on this picture, look at the left hand side of the picture and you can just see a rusty dowel sticking out of the adapter plate. They're between the lower two bellhousing bolts on each side. One per side. It's honestly something that I didn't think of.
I recommend to NEVER pull the engine and transmission together. Some people do, but I only tried it once and HATED it. It was in a truck that I had rolled and was scrapping. I cut the core support to give room for the engine and transmission. The trans crossmember was removed. The back of the transmission was on the ground and it was still all that I could do to get the combo out. You may try prying between the adapter plate and the bellhousing too get them apart.

Heymack · Apr 20, 2026

Got it...thanks.

It is a bit daunting pulling the engine and tranny out, especially if the radiator core support is still in. There's a lot of weight hanging way up there when clearing the support. In my case here, I don't have to worry about the height.

Heck, I may just roll it to the lift and raise the cab, everything is disconnected except the steering shaft......now I'm thinking.

VanGo · Apr 28, 2026

Wow looks a lot easier than it was removing from the van
So much room….

Yanking the 7.3

Heymack

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ihc1470

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Heymack

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DougBoy66

That is a HORRIBLE idea!!!!!! What time?

DougBoy66

That is a HORRIBLE idea!!!!!! What time?

Heymack

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IDIBRONCO

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Heymack

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