Tire Install

[hrosenthal]

I'm pretty much ready for the engine install and am expecting delivery of the engine next week.
I'm wondering if there is any reason why I shouldn't torque the hub nuts and mount the tires at this point.
Storing the tires is a pita and I need the space.
Thanks.

[Avalanche325]

I mounted my tires in prep for my engine arrival. Here is my reasoning.
1. I can roll outside if I want or need to for engine hoist height.
2. Nose down / rear up gives the best angle to put the engine in. On the front tires and rear up high on stands seems to be the way a lot of guys do it.
3. Putting the engine in is when you would be most likely to jolt the car hard enough to come off of jack stands. I would rather drop onto tires than rotors.

[DaleG]

Had the tires on when I installed a 302 in my MK II; make sure you chock the tires. The Build Manual has you torquing the hub nuts early on, and installing engine before tires, but they use a rolling dolly instead of jack stands (more stable). I agree with Avalanche's reasoning, but would put the car back up on jack stands to make body installation easier.

[SCFFR]

x2 on the car being on jack stands. Try to get the rear end up as high as possible. You will need the height/clearance for the end of the transmission. I did mine by myself in about 30 minutes. I put my floor jack under the car and used it to hold the end of the trans. As I lowered the engine, the floor jack just rolled back with the trans until I needed it to raise the trans in place.

Just take your time.

Ron

[Jeff Kleiner]

Makes no difference whether the wheels are on or off. I've done it both ways but always with the chassis on stands. As the others have said tail up nose down (but high enough to allow the hoist legs to clear). An engine leveler is invaluable and turns it into a 10 minute one man job.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1942.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1943.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1948.jpg

Good luck,
Jeff

[hrosenthal]

Thanks for the info. I'm planning to have some friends over on the 27th to help me do the install.
This is very helpful.
BTW - great pictures!! I don't know how you manage to keep the aluminum so nice. Mine is all marked up and scratched. I'm planning to cover most of it with insulation, and will probably paint the F-panels.
Thanks,
H