I think it was HIGH RISK who struggled mightily with head replacement a couple years ago and decided to lift the cab off the frame for easier access. If search were working, I could probably find his how-to photos. Anyway, it seems that Ford techs have now found the same thing, even for the big SUV’s:

http://flatratetech.com/navigator1.htm

You people doing engine rebuilds/swaps might want to consider it.

I wonder if it would help with those last two driver’s side spark plugs!

 

I have seen pics of guys lifting the body, and I just scratch my head. I will never let anyone lift my body to pull a motor.

Allyou have to do is pull the supercharger, and the front pulleys and accesories. It comes right out.

 

Its a neat thing to see. I will try to get some pics of it at the plant. The cab comes off in about 45min and lifts right off. When you see how easy it really is, you will surely consider it on the next motor job It is just a matter of 6 bolts, a harness or two, and the master cylinder mounting bolts and E brake cable,,(just thinking off the top of my head). Use a 4 corner hoist with a few blocks of wood to lift the body, then roll the chassis out so the cab is over the box and you have total access to the motor and tranny! It is really easier than it sounds!

 

If mine ever has to go down for an engine change the body will come off. It's no big production on a pickup.

 

Doc.
Do you have any pictures of this bieng done? I'm just curious to see how invloved this would get.

 

I will soon have a truck to try this on if anyone is interested....

 

I just pulled my hood off. Left the supercharger on and the motor. Came right out. Still had the 4# pulley on too.
Jeff

 

If I ever have to do mine, the cab will be removed, there are only 6 bolts holding the cab on, plus disconnect a few lines and cables and you can have the thing off in somewhere between 1 and 2 hours, just makes the whole job alot easier not to mention far less chance of scratching the exterior paint in the process. no leaning over the fenders and such. just much easier. I know alot of mechanics like to do things the fastest way, even if it is harder, personally, I feel like this way is easier because the cab really doesn't take long to lift or reinstall, and it just makes getting at EVERYTHING much easier. here are some pics of one that I did head gaskets on.

if the link dies, go to www.fotki.com and do a search for "car&truckpics" you should see these and a couple more.

later,
chris

 

I've seen the cab thing done, and some of the local dealers do that, but personally, I don't think I ever would myself. I've done plenty of Lightning, F-150 and Navigator motor jobs, as well as doing cams and heads in the truck, and I've never had any problems that would make me consider taking the cab off. To pull the motor, you have to disconnect the same parts either way, just with the cab off, there is no body around you. I've never had a problem with the motor removal/installation in and out of the truck, so the conventional way works for me .

 

I find it much easier to just pay someone to do the work

 

Just curios how many of us have one of these lifts?

 

how much does the cab weigh?
Will it free stand on it's own?

 

Ive done both way multiple times, Its less stress on the back and less chance of scratching things up. Working in a dealer atmosphere, you would be suprised how bitchy people can get when you put a small scratch on the firewall. Those of you who have ever removed your blowers know how hard it is to remove the back bolts on the supercharger.

 

If you have a roll cage, you can't lift the cab off the frame!

 

I could never do that, my garage is only 10ft tall....