Oil pan removal 74 400 big block

[runner74]

Sorry if this has been asked here before but couldn't find it.

Need to remove the oil pan, and I know i need to remove the steering linkage.

Now the question I have is the book says R&W models raise the front of engine 1-1/2-2 inches.

I assume I will have to remove the two engine mount bolts, unless there is a trick or it can be raised enough without removing both?

And where on the block is the best place to jack the engine safely? do I put a jack on both sides? Never done this before. Having fun though. Great learning experience.

 

[moparwacko]

IMO......there is no "safe" place to jack an engine, I know we've all done the shade tree fixes to our cars..but don't do it.
Invest in, rent, or borrow an engine crane. Bolt it up in the front of engine so it picks evenly (2 front intake bolts?), start jacking, remove motor mounts, keep checking fan to radiator clearance, etc.. remove fan, hoses, belts if need be. Then remove steering link and have at it.
The only place I would put a jack stand is under the crank pulley just as an emergency measure.
Have fun!
In lieu of an engine crane, the Ole 2x4 across the inner fender with threaded j bolts will and has worked...............

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I have done it jacking up at trannny bellhousing, with a wood in the middle

 

[YY1]

BB might be too heavy, but I raised my SB chained to a 6' length of angle iron on top of a 2x6 resting on another wood brace along the fender bolts, and the other end lag bolted to a scissors jack resting on another wood brace on the other fender bolt area. Operated the scissors jack with an impact gun. Worked great and I'd do it again. Car was still mobile and no obstacles underneath.

 

[moparwacko]

YY1 is correct - full access to the underside with a tool like that. Engine crane has to stay til Ur done. But I just have one to use lol.
I've seen lots of variations, steel, wood, we had one at a dealership I worked at in the 70's, sounds kinda similar n did motor mounts, pan ga sets, steering boxes, etc in no time.

Point is - they all do the same thing, be creative but be safe doing it.

 

[Bruzilla]

Buy an engine hoist on craigslist. There's always a couple for sale in the $100-$150 range. Use it, then sell it for what you paid for it on craigslist.

 

[runner74]

Well, Here is what I did. I was a little intimidated with this job because I have never done this before. But something came over me today like a Nike commercial "Just do it" So I climbed under there looking for Jack points, none in the front, so decided to put two bottle jacks one on each side of the block just in front of the Torque-flite. I then Jacked each side a little to keep it level. Also noticed you don't need to remove the Motor mount bolts fully as the front of the mounts is not a hole but more of a slot so if it slipped the bolt will still engage the slot. Then I put a piece of 2x4x3" with a wood shim under the front passenger side corner of the block need the corner of the pan. I could then lower the passenger side bottle jack and the motor is resting safely on the K-member. I left the other bottle jack where it was because the drivers side had nowhere to put a block of wood. At this point the front of the block was raised approx. 1-1/2" so the pan could be removed. It came out quite easily. Gonna clean up the pan and if straighten enough paint and re-use with a Jeg's or Summit windage tray with pre-molded gaskets you guys have be talking about on this forum. That's probably all now till next weekend. Ordering a bunch of parts on Rock Auto Jeg's etc. Thanks to all responses on this site recently, and on older searched posts, I feel a sense of accomplishment today.

Thanks for all of your help.