Install 7.3 and ZF5 Together or Separately?

[bulletpruf]

Finished the rebuild of the 7.3. It's going in my 87 cc drw 4x4 project truck. Truck doesn't have core support, so I won't have to lift too high.

My concern is how heavy the engine/trans combo is together. I have a newer cherry picker and I know it will lift it all, but it will be difficult to maneuver once I get it all hooked up. I may just have to lift it all up and then tow the truck forward until it's in place.

Other option is to drop the engine in and then install the trans from underneath using my transmission jack. I think this should work out ok as well.

Also, I'll have the starter and oil cooler installed, but I can remove one if they're going to get in the way. Thoughts on this? I'll install the oil filter after the engine is in the truck.

I still need to rebuild the transfer case (BW 1356), but I'll install that later using the transmission jack.

Thanks for any input.

Scott

 

[Nero]

I always do them separately. Much easier to maneuver. Some people do them togethough.

With that fancy paint job, I would do it separately so you don't scratch it up while bumping it into things from added weight

 

[Clb]

Solo, separate,
3 men and a boy, you can manhandle it.
Just my .02

 

[DaveBen]

Separate. Easier and much less chance of damaging your truck by hitting it.

 

[Booyah45828]

I'd do them separate, especially if you have a hoist or trans jack. Most cherry pickers when set to the longest arm will have their hands full doing an IDI itself. With the arm any shorter then that I usually struggle with clearance. Unless you're using a gantry or jib crane, I'd do them separate.

 

[hacked89]

I’ve done it both ways. I currently like it separate. If you do it together you need at minimum a load leveler and a second person. Separate you can manage alone but best with any type of helper as long as they have a couple fingers and one hand to make sure you aren’t bashing against the sides as the engine goes in.

 

[bulletpruf]

I’ve done it both ways. I currently like it separate. If you do it together you need at minimum a load leveler and a second person. Separate you can manage alone but best with any type of helper as long as they have a couple fingers and one hand to make sure you aren’t bashing against the sides as the engine goes in.

Plan is to do it solo.

Appreciate all the input!

 

[BlindAmbition]

I installed a ZF5 solo, wasn't too bad at all. Jacked the back of the truck up fairly high with 6 ton stands on wooden supports for height (and front wheels chocked) and just slid it underneath the truck on a floor jack. Cut two 6" pieces of all thread to act as guides on the bottom two bolt holes, I forget thread size. Took less than an hour to get installed this way

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I always do them separately.

Separate. Easier and much less chance of damaging your truck by hitting it.

Same here. Also while the oil cooler is fine mounted to your block, DO NOT try to install the engine with the starter attached. It will hit you crossmember and give you a huge headache at the least. It will keep you from being able to install the engine at the most.

 

[Rdnck84_03]

It will keep you from being able to install the engine at the most.

Could possibly break the adapter plate if bumped too hard.

James

 

[bulletpruf]

I installed a ZF5 solo, wasn't too bad at all. Jacked the back of the truck up fairly high with 6 ton stands on wooden supports for height (and front wheels chocked) and just slid it underneath the truck on a floor jack. Cut two 6" pieces of all thread to act as guides on the bottom two bolt holes, I forget thread size. Took less than an hour to get installed this way

Good tip on the all thread! I'll have to try that.

Thanks

 

[bulletpruf]

Same here. Also while the oil cooler is fine mounted to your block, DO NOT try to install the engine with the starter attached. It will hit you crossmember and give you a huge headache at the least. It will keep you from being able to install the engine at the most.

Ok, I installed it today, but will take about 30 seconds to remove it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Austin86250]

I did a 351+ e4od attached and it was a bit** I couldn’t imagine doubling the weight

 

[bulletpruf]

7.3 is in.

Had to use the 1 ton slot on the cherry picker; at the 1/2 ton setting, it was about to tip over.

Was also working on cracked concrete, so once I got the engine to the right height, I had to use my daily driver to pull the truck under it.

Motor mount bolts took me at least an hour to get lined up and installed. Lots of fun.

Will post some pics later.

 

[Rondo]

Say a prayer before you stab the trans. My wife and I were able to stab it in less than 10 min. Almost like it was sucked to the engine.