When install engine/trans

[Jeff's First FFR]

I still have my chassis on the chassis dolly. Should I put wheels and tires on the chassis before installing the engine and trans?
I see in the manual that the engine goes in before the wheels/tires. Seems like a lot of load for the casters (mine rated at 600lbs each). Actually, the manual never mounts the wheels/tires. I like the mobility provided by the casters, but really think they can't take the load. Anyway, I still have a few things to do before engine/trans so still thinking.
Thanks for your help,
Jeff

[GoDadGo]

There are many ways to skin a possum so here is my take.

Raise The Back & Scoot The Car Under:

1st Installation:
https://youtu.be/3f1Q4aS5SG4
https://youtu.be/jiwelvNHUrk

Leaky Block Removal:
(Boo, Boo, Hisss, Hisss)
https://youtu.be/Vhbftk4AP4k

2nd Installation:
https://youtu.be/-nVDzIjSjh8

Good Luck From The Dark Dart Side!

[phileas_fogg]

Like you, I didn’t trust my chassis dolly to carry the weight of the engine. I put the frame on jack stands. That gave me plenty of clearance for any approach I wanted to take with my engine hoist.

Be sure to test fit the transmission A-frame BEFORE you get the engine in the air. My A-frame took a good bit of grinding at the bottom of each leg before it would fit between the 4” tube & the mounting tabs.

If you’re working alone, you’ll probably find it easier to install the A-frame after the engine is installed. If you’ve got helpers, I recommend installing the A-frame before the engine. Have a helper lift the tail of the transmission up into place.


John

P.S. Take pictures when you do the installation; we all wanna see!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Either way you go the car is on jackstands (with the rear high) so it really makes absolutely no difference whether the wheels are bolted on or not.

Jeff

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I did it with the wheels on, felt safer to me.