Ok guys, typing this for my partner.....We are in the process of re-installing a motor in our 2000 Jimmy 4x4 4.3 L with another 4.3 motor. Do I have to drop the front differential to re install as when I took the old one out the intake manifold was removed. After several attempts to re install there does not seem to be enough room to drop it in place without hitting the oil pan on the differential. Motor mounts have been removed also. Question: is there another easier way to do this without dropping the differential?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.....Thanks.

 

Been there done that. Reinstall the motor mounts on the engine. Get transmission at the right height and the flex plate should barely go in past the bellhousing. Yes it is tight. Try different heights on the trans by using a floor jack under the trans pan while lowering engine. Once you get the flex plate inside the trans bellhousing you are golden. Be careful not to bend in the bottom of the trans pan - use wood on top of the floor jack pad.

Note you will NOT want to have the passenger side exhaust manifold installed when setting the engine in place. Need to keep the engine straight when going in and the passenger exhaust manifold makes you twist it. Put the manifold on later. Also starter installation is easy with this manifold off. Don't forget to install the ground straps before mating the trans all the way to the engine - more room to work that way (just enough to make it much easier). It is critical that all of these ground straps be reinstalled and that they are tight. Throw away the fuel line clamp from the rear of the driver's side head - it's not going to happen. I like to take the steering column loose at the steering box so I can move it a bit to aid motor mount bolt installation on that side.

Having intake on is fine, but no distributor or other stuff until the trans is bolted up and ground straps are on.

So what did you do to remove the bellhousing bolt in front of the accelerator pedal and the fuel line clamp? Just curious.

Good luck and best wishes for a successful repair.

 

Les Myer.
Thanks so much for the reply gave info to hubby. in answer to your question about removing the bellhousing bolt infront of the accelerator pedal. He said they had to take off a shield and his friend has small hands and was able to remove the bolt. Will keep posting on progress. Its a work in progress hope to have it in by the end of the month.