86 K30 Engine swap with manual trans in place

[schuy]

Putting new engine in my 86 K30..how much of pain is putting new engine in with a manual trans still in place. Is it worth leaving in because of hydraulic clutch , transfer case, pto dump etc.

 

[Georgeb]

You can do it but you need to make sure the clutch is
Aligned correctly. Also take some long bolts that thread into the block and cut the heads off use them as alignment pins. They will help you guide the engine in.

 

[hirschdalechevy]

Exactly what george said and jack up the front of the trans a bit as well and I always ( with a manual ) pull the rear driveshaft and leave the trans in gear so you can turn the trans a bit to line up the splines of the input shaft with the clutch disc.

 

[schuy]

That all sounds good to me. what are your suggestions on pilot bushing my new clutch kit came with a pilot bearing and not too fond of them

 

[hirschdalechevy]

I have always used a bushing so not sure on the bearing thing , but test fit whatever you use on your trans input shaft before you install it in the motor.

 

[Georgeb]

I also prefer the bushings.

 

[Bowtieman427]

what engine you putting in ??

 

[schuy]

350 out of same year truck but a C20..