Accessing the bottom of the block with out pulling the engine?

[jwill226]

I think I already know the answer to this but it there a way to get plenty of room to work around the engine mounts with out pulling the engine?

I have an 85 K20 4x4 with a 350 and a 4" lift.  While changing the engine mounts I found that on the passenger side of the block the 3 bolts that hold the engine mount mounting plate to the block had backed themselves out.  Destroyed the threads and now the block needs re tapped.

My garage isn't tall enough to pull it threw the hood opening.  The driveway is gravel so rolling a cherry picker around is imposable.  As I see it my only option is to pull the entire front clip witch is a lot more work then I want to do.  Has any one else ever done work like I need to with out pulling the engine?  If I have to pull the front clip then I guess that will give me a chance to clean up the engine bay and check out the clutch.

Any tips would be great.

[Blazin]

I would just pick the motor up enough to work. Dosesn't have to come all the way out.

[Lt.Del]

got a large tree limb and a come-along (or get a pulley from harbor freight)?   Remove the radiator so you won't damage it.  Take the trans bolts out the crossmember.  Remove the linkage bolts.  May have to remove the distributor so it wont hit the firewall and snap. remove the carb linkage snap rings and .   

[smitty77]

I would just pick the motor up enough to work. Dosesn't have to come all the way out.

What Blazin said.  And don't forget you can also remove the fender wells and the front tires and get lots of room to get at it from the side.  All you really need is to get it high enough above the frame rail to be able to drill at the correct angle - guessing 8" or so over the mounts.  Then maybe use a few ratchet straps to tie it laterally to the frame or the firewall so that the block doesn't sway while you drill.  And while you've gone that far, maybe give a look-see to the rear main seal and oil pan gasket.  Would be easy (or at least easier) to change those while the motor is raised.

[beastie_3]

If the above options don't work so well, you could always life up the engine in the gravel area and roll your truck back instead of rolling the picker. That's how I got my engine out.

[joesgarage71]

 There should be enough room to work IF;
 Lift the engine a couple of inches remove the frame mounting brackets and the engine mounts.

OR; You might try a little longer bolts and some thread locker red.

[jwill226]

Thanks for the replies.  I would try doing it outside but where I live it could start raining at any time.  Thanks for all the advice.  I think I am going to give removing the fender from the bad side a try and see if that works.  If I can't get enough room that way then I will just see about pulling the engine out that side.  With the fender out of the way I would think I could get it

Any one have any idea how much work around those holes I can do before I risk hitting any thing important?  I might have to totally drill them out and re thread it.