Just wonderin'...

Captainkirk said

Been binge-watching "Graveyard Carz" for a few weeks now, and I really like the way Mark and crew install the motor/trans and K-frame with suspension...from the underneath. Of course, they have the luxury of a four point lift and can lift the car up to eyeball level. I, on the other hand, have a car with no drive train, suspension or K-frame up on 18" extension jackstands; room enough to scoot around on a creeper with ease. Has anyone tried installing the K frame and engine from the bottom without using a lift, or is this a just plain "don't do it" kinda thing? I realize I could probably tilt the nose up some, but this would leave the frame rails rocking on two jack stands (possibly very dangerous?) and then the added weight of K-frame and motor would probably make it front-heavy.
So, question is; has anyone done this, and does it work/not work? If so, how did you go about it? Thanks.

Click to expand...

I’ve done the engine/trans connected combo install from under the car. But I wouldn’t suggest to follow unless you have a lack of equipment like I did. It’s not hard to align, just a PIA to do and a bit slower, read on.

I was doing some paint work on the Magnum and had it up on Jack stands.


I put the engine in the K frame with the transmission connected on a dolly under the car roughly in place.
A Hyd floor jack bouncing left to right side lowered the car one Jack tooth at a time until I got to this point.


Just shimmy and shove the K frame to get one of the bolts in and loosely. This is now a pivot point that will help but not Guarantee the other three holes line up. Once you get all the bolts in, slowly tighten hem up while paying attention to exactly where the K frame is coming to rest on the subframe. This is less of an issue with your K frame than the later year K frame like my Magnum which has the ISO mounts. They have very long attaching bolts and two rubber bushing above and below the K frame which makes it like Jello ish until you find exactly where you want it.

Now from there, start reassembled the front end and carry on....

Its a bit slow going down one tooth at a time dragging the Jack from side to side but it’ll work. Just take it slow.