I'm going to be installing my new 383 and 350 trans into my 67 this weekend. Any tips or tricks I should be aware of?

I have the radiator removed. I left the transmission crossmember in the car because I could not seem to be able to slide the crossmember out without having to beat on it or lift the body up.

Is it still doable with the transmission crossmember still mounted? Do I *need* an engine leveler or can I make due without one?

Any tips? Does jacking up the rear of the car help with the angle?

Thanks!

- Colby

remove fan and all frt accesorys and distributor and it should come right up and out. you will need help getting the trans over the header panel.

Hang the driver header first, then install the engine.

Loosen the subframe mounts to get the crossmember out. You don't need a leveler, but they do make it easier. Above all, take your time and be careful.

As Everett#2390 stated, some brands of headers (assuming you are using them) require the driver's side of the engine to be lifted somewhat before you can fit the header around the steering box. You don't want to get the tranny and motor all bolted in and THEN find out the header won't slide in without jacking up one side of the motor. I don't have a whole lot of experience with automatic trannys - do they require a plug on the end of the tail shaft to keep the fluid from spilling out when tipped like a Muncie 4-speed does?

You can do it solo if you have to, but it helps to have a second set of eyes and hands.

I just did my first engine/trans swap and it was alot easier than you would think. I used a leveler I bought at checkers for $50, It helped alot.
Just go slow and have someone help ... You can do it!

You will need to take the crossmember out- Dont want to try threadng the trans through it...

You will need something to plug the tailshaft if there is any oil in the trans.
The crossmember will have to come out.
(how did you get the engine and trans out with it in?)
The levelor is required if you are working alone, and will save your firewall even if you are not.

Make sure you have the right saddle mounts in the car before you install,and take the cross-member out or be prepared to cuss...alot

Chances are the body bushensare pretty whorn that why you are having trouble getting the cross member out.Might what to replace them since you have no motor or trans.

Thanks for the tips. I'll have a couple guys helping me, so I should have enough hands.

When I pulled the motor, I left the transmission in the car. Later, I ended up pulling the transmission through the bottom of the car and out the side. I slid the transmission forward onto a dolly, then slid it out the side of the car (obviously with the car jacked up pretty high).

So are you guys saying there is absolutely no way to get the motor/trans combo in without removing the transmission crossmember? Or does it just make it a lot easier?

Thanks.

So are you guys saying there is absolutely no way to get the motor/trans combo in without removing the transmission crossmember? Or does it just make it a lot easier?

Thanks.I was able to do it on my 68 RS by simply unbolting the crossmember and sliding it as far rearward as possible. (Make sure the parking brake is off.) The engine combination was 327/PG though, but then isn't a PG longer than a TH350? It was a while ago but I believe the rear tires were on the ground (but they could have also been on jack stands, like I said, "a while ago").

I've been able to install the combo without the xmember removed. Just reach underneath and push up on the housing to get it to set onthe xmember.

A th350 w/6 inch tailshaft is the same length as a PG.

Thanks again guys for your help.

- Colby

Chances are the body bushensare pretty whorn that why you are having trouble getting the cross member out.Might what to replace them since you have no motor or trans.

+1. Subframe bushings are a lot easier to replace with the engine out, especially if you bust one of the cage nuts loose. Make sure you hut all of the cage nuts really good (from the top!) with PBBlaster daily for a few days before trying to remove the bolts.